What’s New in the Warehouse

The Rhode Island Food Bank’s warehouse is in a constant state of motion. Five days a week, food is delivered, and then just as quickly loaded onto our trucks to be sent out to our member agencies. There are staples we work hard to keep in stock, but there’s always something new and fresh making its way to our pantries and meal sites.

For New Englanders, snowy weather brings cravings for hearty foods. Frozen chicken is especially popular with guests for its versatility. The warehouse is also sending chicken noodle soup, dried and canned beans, and cornbread mix to our 137 member agencies across the state. In fresh food, agencies are receiving plantains, a staple in many cuisines, as well as spaghetti squash and citrus from Florida.

It’s the donations we receive from supporters like you that enable the RI Food Bank to acquire and distribute healthy, nutritious foods like these!

Empty Bowls: Discounted Tickets Available Until 3/2

Time is running out for you to secure your pre-sale tickets to Empty Bowls! Join us on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the WaterFire Arts Center for Empty Bowls, an evening celebrating Rhode Island’s vibrant culinary and artistic community, all in support of the RI Community Food Bank. Your ticket includes unlimited tastings from 30 local restaurants and a handcrafted bowl to take home as a reminder that your support helps fill empty bowls in our community. This event will sell out, so purchase by Monday, March 2 to save $10 with pre-sale pricing!

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 in RI. 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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Empty Bowls Tickets Now on Sale!

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM
WaterFire Arts Center, Providence

Presented by:

Handmade Bowls & Gourmet Bites:
A Tasty Way to Give.

Join us at Empty Bowls 2026, a celebration of RI’s culinary and artistic talent to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Your ticket includes unlimited tastings from 30 local restaurants, plus an artisan-made bowl to take home as a reminder of how your support will help fill the empty bowls in our community.

Purchase your tickets by March 2nd to save $10 on our pre-sale!

Additional sponsorship support provided by:

All States Materials Group | BankNewport | BayCoast Bank | BNY Wealth | Cameron & Mittleman, LLP | Chisholm, Chisholm and Kirkpatrick | Coastal1 Credit Union | Delta Dental of RI | Dominion Diagnostics | Empire Loan | Hart Design Group | KLR | Navigant Credit Union | Neighborhood Health Plan of RI | Rockland Trust

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 in RI. 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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The following was originally published via our email newsletter. Sign up here to receive these updates in your inbox (we never share your information or spam you).

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.

• Learn More

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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Latest Tools for Neighbors & Community Partners

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank‘s Community Outreach and Community Nutrition teams regularly develop vetted, reliable resources to support neighbors and our partner organizations that serve them.

This month, our teams released two timely tools to support financial stability and long-term health. With tax season right around the corner, our Community Outreach team created a 2025 tax preparation guide featuring free filing options, trusted assistance programs, and key dates. With heart health top of mind this winter, our Community Nutrition team developed an easy-to-use handout on dietary fats, offering tips to reduce saturated fat intake and support cardiovascular wellness. Both resources are available in English and Spanish.

All are encouraged to use and share these resources! Visit our Community Resources and Community Nutrition webpages to view or download the latest materials.

Reminder: Join Us for Food Insecurity Day

On Tuesday, January 27th, the RI Food Bank will convene advocates, policymakers, and community leaders at the Rhode Island State House for Food Insecurity Awareness Day, where we’ll release our latest Status Report on Hunger and spotlight the realities of food insecurity in our state. All are welcome.

• Learn More

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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You’re Invited:

Food Insecurity Awareness Day • RI State House Library
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • 3 PM

Join the Rhode Island Community Food Bank at the RI State House on January 27, 2026 for Food Insecurity Awareness Day, as we shine a light on hunger in our state and release our Status Report on Hunger. Together with advocates, policymakers, and community leaders, we’ll share the latest insights on need, impact, and the path forward.

We hope you’ll join us to learn, engage, and help move Rhode Island closer to a hunger-free future.

PS: Not able to attend? Please help spread the word by sharing this message with a friend!

Founded in 1982, 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 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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Warm Wishes for Happy Holidays

From all of us here at the RI Community Food Bank, happy holidays! Thank you for your partnership and generosity throughout the past year, and for embracing our CEO, Melissa Cherney, as a new Rhode Islander. However you celebrate, we hope it’s warm, happy, and healthy. Watch our holiday video message here.

2025 Food Bank Annual Report

In our 2025 Annual Report, we take a look back on all we accomplished together to bring us closer to an Ocean State free from hunger.

In this edition, read the stories of Altagracia and Lenny, two Food Bank member agency guests. Learn more about our Community Outreach team, and how we put your funds to work to make sure every Rhode Islander has a seat at the table.

• Read the Report

Founded in 1982, 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 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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End 2025 on a High Note

Finish this year strong with a gift that maximizes your charitable impact on the Food Bank’s mission. There are several ways to support our neighbors in need while potentially minimizing your tax burden.

Help us distribute healthy, nutritious food to nearly 100,000 Rhode Islanders a month. Click on the images below to learn more.

Gifts of Stock

Learn More

IRA Gifts

Learn More

Donor Advised Funds

Learn More

Reminder: Review recent tax law changes and consider how they might affect your giving this year and next!

Check Out Our First Ever Holiday Gift Guide!

At the Food Bank, we believe that even the small actions we take add up to huge impact. Shopping small, supporting nonprofits we care about, and buying secondhand create a more memorable holiday season and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Our new Holiday Gift Guide includes local businesses that make giving back easy and fun. Check it out!

• Read Our Holiday Gift Guide

Founded in 1982, 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 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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“Prices are going up, but my salary is still the same.”

Rosy was working full-time as a machine operator, but a reduction in her hours, coupled with rising grocery prices have made it increasingly difficult to keep up, despite picking up extra work delivering food. We sat down with her at the West End Community Center in Providence, one of the Food Bank’s 137 member agencies.

“Prices are going up, but my salary is still the same,” Rosy shared. Visiting the pantry once a month allows her to stretch her budget, and continue preparing the meals her 3 children enjoy, especially hearty dishes with vegetables, rice, and meat. She does everything she can to support her family—managing multiple jobs, searching for sales, and carefully budgeting each month.

Rosy’s story emphasizes how essential our network of food pantries and meal sites is in helping families stay nourished during a time of high need. In October alone, the Food Bank’s statewide network provided food to a record 100,000 neighbors. We’re so grateful to our member agencies who make the lives of people like Rosy a little easier.

ICYMI: Watch Our Latest Video

In Case You Missed It: The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is hard at work distributing food out to our statewide network of member agencies, including food pantries, meal sites, and senior programs. In this video, hear from Food Bank CEO, Melissa Cherney, and from volunteers and guests of our member agencies who live the reality of food insecurity every day.

Founded in 1982, 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 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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Supporting Our Neighbors Through the SNAP Crisis

As Rhode Islanders continue to feel the impact of the government shutdown on the SNAP program, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is doing everything in our power to ensure that our neighbors have the food they need. Thanks to generous community support and prompt action from our team, since late October, we’ve purchased nearly 1 million pounds of food, being distributed through our 137 member agencies statewide.

This food is already making its way onto pantry shelves and dinner tables. We’ve purchased highly-requested food staples, including: peanut butter, tuna, chicken drumsticks, pork tenderloin, shelf stable milk, pasta, tomato sauce, different varieties of rice, eggs, cereal, beans, canned vegetables, olive oil, canned meals, soups, and macaroni and cheese. We’re also preparing to create kids’ boxes, senior boxes, and additional to-go bags for unhoused individuals to reach even more Rhode Islanders experiencing food insecurity.

With demand on food pantries doubling or more than doubling in some areas of the state, every additional pound counts, and every act of generosity helps make this work possible. We are so grateful for your support!

Tune In Tomorrow: WPRI 12 Day of Giving

Thursday, November 13th is WPRI 12’s Day of Giving to benefit the RI Community Food Bank! Tune in anytime to WPRI 12 or log on to their website: crews will be broadcasting from the RI Food Bank warehouse, encouraging generosity from every corner of our state.

If you’ve been thinking about supporting the Food Bank this holiday season, the Day of Giving is a great time to pitch in: our generous supporters at Arpin International Group and Washington Trust are matching dollar-for-dollar the first $110,000 donated through the campaign!

Founded in 1982, 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 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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SNAP Has Been Suspended. Our Neighbors Need Your Help.

NOTE: On Friday, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue funding for SNAP during the government shutdown. Even with this court ruling, SNAP benefits will not be loaded on recipients’ EBT cards on Saturday. We continue to follow this evolving situation closely.

Today, nearly 143,000 Rhode Islanders are waking up with a sense of fear and uncertainty. 

Because starting today, SNAP benefits are no longer accessible to those 143,000 Rhode Islanders – or 42 million Americans like them nationwide. 

Though SNAP benefits amount to just $6.69 a day, that safety net is essential for tens of thousands of people in our community. It is the difference between putting food on the table and going hungry, meaning that more people may go to bed hungry tonight than last night.

What will that mean tomorrow? The next day? Next week?

Unless and until the government shutdown ends, SNAP benefits are shut off at the same time that Rhode Islanders face high food and housing costs and less food on pantry shelves. For furloughed government workers not receiving paychecks, the situation is even more dire. 

We need your help.

Here are three ways you can make a difference:

1. Make a financial donation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. How many days of food assistance can you cover for a neighbor in need? $6.69 covers one day for one person, and $47 covers a week. $27 covers one day for a family of four, $187 covers one week, and $802 covers one month for that family.
2. Donate food to your local food pantry. (Find your nearest pantry here!)
3. Spread the word. Share important resources (like the Get Help page on our website) and post on social media about your contributions in action. Tag us on social media @RIFoodBank.

Too many people in our community are hungry, and many more are at risk. Let’s show them that they aren’t alone, and do what we can in our families, our churches, our places of employment. Let’s do some good, together. 

With gratitude,
Melissa Cherney
Chief Executive Officer

Op-Ed: SNAP Shutdown Putting 143,000 Rhode Islanders at Risk

By Melissa Cherney | October 30, 2025 | Providence Journal

Do you have enough food for the week? How about just today?

Too many Rhode Islanders are waking up unsure of the answer.

These are your friends and neighbors, family members and coworkers, many of whom work full time, to make ends meet at a moment when the cost of living is increasingly untenable. Housing prices have skyrocketed and so have food costs, medication, and utilities.

• Read More

Printable Resource: How to Help

Over the last week, we’ve been overwhelmed by the outreach from caring Rhode Islanders who want to help their neighbors during this difficult time. If you want to help spread the word about how to support the Food Bank, download our shareable one-pager. You can print and post out in the community, or share on your social media platforms. Together, we can make a difference!

• Download PDF
• Download JPEG

Founded in 1982, 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 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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