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Food Bank Supports New Food Security Legislation

Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) has teamed up with Senator Jim Justice (R-WV) to introduce the Strengthening Local Food Security Act.

This new legislation would create a permanent grant program for state and tribal governments to procure local foods for distribution to nearby hunger relief programs and schools to bolster economic development and combat food insecurity.

Melissa Cherney, the Food Bank’s new CEO, commented on the legislation for a release put out by Senator Reed’s office: “At a time when we’re serving more people than ever before, this type of legislation is critical, both for Rhode Island families and for our state’s economy. We’re honored to support Senator Reed’s bill.”

Recipe Video: Easy, Versatile Fruit Cobbler

Click above to play on YouTube, or click here to view on our website & learn more about Healthy Habits.

What’s better in late summer than a fruity dessert? (Apart from that perfect native tomato!) Our Community Nutrition team specializes in easy, low-cost recipes that use healthy foods in all their forms, whether it be fresh, frozen or canned. Check out this versatile fruit cobbler recipe. This one is made with fresh peaches, but swap in your favorite fruit in any form!

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Providence, RI, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (“the Food Bank” or “RI Food Bank”) serves as the central hub for food distribution across its state-wide network of 147 member agencies/food pantries, 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 │ 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence RI 02907 │ (401) 942-6325 (main) │ rifoodbank.org

Your Old Ride Can Drive Out Hunger

Shopping for a new vehicle this summer? If you’re not getting the trade-in value you want, consider donating! With the funds we receive from the sale of your vehicle, we can provide healthy food to the people we serve. It’s as simple as filling out a form and scheduling pick-up. Cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, construction or farm equipment of any age, in any condition can help drive out hunger! Learn more and start the process.

Recipe: Cool Salsa for a Hot Day

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank‘s community nutrition team develops and shares nutritious, budget-friendly recipes that allow pantry guests at our member agencies to explore new ways to enjoy accessible foods, including seasonal, fresh, canned, and frozen produce. Through our Healthy Habits program, our team of culinary and nutrition professionals work directly with the Food Bank’s network of partner agencies and their guests to provide relevant, practical, and science-based nutrition information to our communities.

Our summer peach salsa is made with canned peaches, a regularly-available item in our member agency food pantries, and costs just $0.58 per serving.

Summer Peach Salsa (6 servings)

You’ll need:
– a 15-oz can of sliced peaches (*or use ripe, fresh peaches if you have them!)
– a large tomato (*can be swapped for canned diced tomatoes!)
– ½ red onion
– ½ green bell pepper
– ½ yellow bell pepper
– a jalapeño (*can be swapped for canned pickled jalapeños!)
– a lime
– ¼ tsp salt
– black pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1.) Wash hands with soap and water.
2.) Wipe off the tops of any canned goods you are using. Open using can opener. Drain and rinse peaches under water.
3.) Wash all fresh produce under running water.
4.) Using a cutting board and sharp knife, cut all fresh produce (except lime) and remove seeds from peppers. Dice the peaches into small pieces.
5.) Add your cut produce to a large bowl and add salt. Cut the lime in half and squeeze juice into the bowl.
6.) (*Optional: add cilantro, if it is available to you, or any of your favorite seasonings, to taste.) Mix well.

And there you have it: a budget-friendly side dish, appetizer, or snack that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. Serve with your favorite whole grain tortilla chips! May be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 days.

Download Recipe