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A Reflection: 6 Months of Service in Rhode Island
Dear Friends,
It has been six months since I took the helm at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Six months of getting to know and exploring my new home state. Six months of convincing my two rescue goldens to embrace our new backyard. Six months of sobering challenges like serving a record-high 102,000 Rhode Islanders in November. Six months of inspiring opportunities, like raising funds to purchase more than $3 million worth of food during the federal government shutdown.
As soon as I landed at TF Green Airport and was greeted by the sweet tones of the resident pianist, I knew I was stepping into something special. Everyone I have met, from my new colleagues to my neighbors, to the hardworking partners in our network of 137 member agencies, has made me feel welcome and has offered support, for me and for our mission, in so many ways.
Coming to New England as a farm girl from North Dakota, it would be easy to feel like an outsider. But I have been so touched by the ways in which the people of this state show up for one another, and for me, even if my midwestern accent gives me away every single time.
I wish I could say that the next six months will be easier than the last. The truth is that more changes to federal nutrition benefits and more complexity in the business of food banking are inevitable. Our fight is far from over. But what I can say with confidence is that there are extraordinary people in this community – donors, legislators, advocates, and partners – who share my fierce commitment to the work.
Times are tough right now for too many of our neighbors. But we can be angry and hold hope at the same time. And if my first six months on the job have taught me anything, it’s that there is a lot of hope for Rhode Island.
Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome and your continued support.
In community,
Melissa Cherney
Chief Executive Officer
RI Community Food Bank
Resounding Support at the State House on Food Insecurity Awareness Day
Last Tuesday, Food Bank CEO Melissa Cherney addressed a standing-room-only crowd at the State House for our annual Food Insecurity Awareness Day. Policymakers, advocates, and community members gathered for the release of our 2025 Status Report to demonstrate their support for bringing Rhode Island closer to a hunger-free future.
“Hunger has gotten worse over the last five years,” Cherney said. “Today’s event is a call for collective action by all Rhode Islanders.”
In his FY27 budget proposal, Governor Dan McKee included a $2 million allocation for the Food Bank. But with 1 in 3 Rhode Island households experiencing food insecurity, Senator Tiara Mack and Representative Scott Slater submitted bills to increase the Food Bank’s allocation to $3 million.
To read the legislation, and find out how you can support it, click the link below.
Save the Date: Empty Bowls 2026
Save the Date: Empty Bowls 2026
One of Rhode Island’s favorite nights that brings together food, creatives, and community is back – the RI Community Food Bank’s Empty Bowls! Join us on Tuesday, March 31st from 6-8:30 PM at the WaterFire Arts Center for unlimited tastings from some of RI’s favorite eateries and receive a handcrafted artisan bowl as a keepsake – all to support filling the bowls of our neighbors. Mark your calendar because this event will sell out: tickets go on sale on Monday, February 16th on our website.
Founded in 1982, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank serves as the central hub for food distribution across its state-wide network of 137 member agencies, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most. Through donations, federal programs, and community partnerships, the Food Bank works to improve the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders by advancing solutions to the problem of hunger.
The RI Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Rhode Island Community Food Bank︱rifoodbank.org︱(401) 942-6325︱200 Niantic Avenue, Providence RI 02907︱contactus@rifoodbank.org
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