Legislative Wins for Food Security
UPDATE: Rhode Island Community Food Bank Receives Critical State Funding
On Tuesday night, the Senate passed the state budget for FY27, including $2.95 million in funding for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. This significant increase in funding reflects state leadership’s trust in the Food Bank to address heightened need following last fall’s federal government shutdown and the continued reductions to SNAP benefits. Every dollar of this critical investment will be put toward food acquisition to support the RI Food Bank’s statewide network of 137 member agency food pantries and meal sites.
We are grateful to our sponsors, Senator Tiara Mack and Representative Scott Slater; to House and Senate leadership; and to the entire General Assembly for prioritizing food security. We’re also grateful to our community who made their voices heard on behalf of Rhode Island families by emailing their legislators, joining us at the State House, and amplifying our message on social media.
Additional Wins for Food Security
- The RI Food Bank also thanks the General Assembly for the inclusion of additional food security measures: eliminating school meal fees, and continuing the Eat Well Be Well incentive and the Bonus Bucks program for SNAP recipients.
State funding is an important piece of our FY27 budget. But it will take collective action to meet the unprecedented demand our agency food pantries and meal sites are currently facing. As the Food Bank continues to put every dollar to work to acquire and distribute nutritious food, we thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re working toward a hunger-free Rhode Island.
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Founded in 1982, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders by advancing solutions to the problem of hunger. The Food Bank serves as the central food distribution hub across a statewide network of 137 member agencies. Through donations, federal programs, and community partnerships, in 2025, the Food Bank distributed over 18.6 million pounds of food, 4.5 million pounds of which was fresh produce. The RI Community Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.
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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