One Year of Impact: Melissa’s First Year in Rhode Island
One Year of Impact: Melissa’s First Year as CEO
One year ago today, Melissa Cherney walked through the doors of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank as CEO for the first time. Since then, she’s traveled the state, gotten to know our member agencies, and has witnessed how Rhode Islanders show up for their neighbors every single day. Melissa calls the last year “unpredictable,” especially in November, when we served an all-time high of 102,000 people during the SNAP benefits pause. But she continues to believe that if any state can solve hunger – it’s Rhode Island.
Watch Melissa’s reflection on her first year and what’s ahead.
Celebrate 1 year with Melissa at the helm this Thursday, August 6 from 5 – 7:30 PM at Harbor Lights in Warwick’s Drift Bar. All bar tips and all proceeds from the auction of a Jon Bon Jovi signed electric guitar support the Food Bank.
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.
Values in Action: 5 Food Pantries Recognized for Commitment to Core Values
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank convened its member agency network at the 2026 Annual Agency Conference, bringing together representatives from our 137 member agency food pantry and meal sites, who are addressing food insecurity across every corner of Rhode Island. Five organizations earned recognition for their innovative approaches and exemplary commitment to fighting hunger across the state. Each organization was nominated personally by a member of the RI Community Food Bank’s staff, and each agency received a $1,000 award in recognition of their exceptional service.
The award categories, around innovation, compassion, health, hospitality,and stewardship, are each pillar organizational values of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Each of the following organizations exemplify these values in action.
The Great Innovator Award: St. Mary of the Bay Food Pantry
St. Mary of the Bay food pantry‘s visual rolling cart innovation transforms the food pantry experience for guests with visual impairments. The cart serves as a physical menu, displaying available food items so all guests feel in control of their choices. This simple but powerful design prioritizes dignity in food assistance.
The Compassionate Service Award: Scalabrini Dukcevich Center
Based in Providence, Scalabrini Dukcevich Center goes above and beyond in emergency food assistance. When a Portuguese-speaking guest arrived in crisis, the team translated, provided transportation, and delivered groceries to his home. Staff regularly coordinate food delivery for clients facing medical emergencies, exemplifying how community-centric nonprofits can address food insecurity holistically.
The Great Innovator Award: Tri-County Community Action Program, North Providence
Tri-County Community Action Program‘s North Providence location creates a welcoming food pantry environment through shopper’s choice, sharing of recipe cards, and collection of regular guest feedback. The approach transforms a basic food distribution into an empowering experience where neighbors feel respected.
The Healthy Hero Award: Family Service of RI Afia Pantry
Family Service of RI‘s Afia Pantry combines emergency food assistance with nutrition guidance and wellness support. Staff provide healthy food options and even drive clients to grocery stores, addressing food security with a health-centered approach that changes lives.
The Hospitality and Stewardship Award: Tri-County Community Action Program, Volturno Street
Charlene Smith at Tri-County’s Volturno Street food pantry exemplifies exceptional service. She knows every guest by name, understands their families and dietary needs, and treats each visit like meeting a friend. One guest summed it up: “It’s more like coming to visit a friend than going to a food pantry.”
Each agency received a $1,000 award in recognition of their exceptional work. From innovative approaches to food distribution to deeply compassionate service, these Rhode Island nonprofits demonstrate what’s possible when community organizations prioritize dignity, creativity, and compassionate care.
Their work reminds us that addressing food insecurity is much more than just operational or logistical: it’s about seeing neighbors, understanding their needs, and creating spaces where accessing food feels like being welcomed home.
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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.
Never in Our Wildest Dreams: Thank You, Taylor & Travis!
Thank You, Taylor and Travis!
Never in our Wildest Dreams would we have imagined that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce would gift the Rhode Island Community Food Bank $1 million ahead of their wedding this past weekend. Our team’s reactions were anything but Delicate: the news left them having to Shake It Off. (Our CEO, Melissa Cherney, told them: You Need to Calm Down.)
This is a certified touchdown for hunger relief in Rhode Island. The couple’s generosity will help provide healthy, nutritious food across our statewide network of 137 member agencies, reaching neighbors in every corner of the state. Right now, 1 in 3 Rhode Island households experience food insecurity, and this gift is a game changer.
We had a Blank Space, Taylor and Travis, and we wrote your names. This is our Love Story with Rhode Island, and you just became the MVPs of it. Long Story Short, we are absolutely Enchanted by this news.
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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.
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.
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On the Road w/ RICFB & Growing Solutions to Hunger
Video: On the Road with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank 🚚
Ever wondered about the connection between the food the RI Food Bank acquires and our 137 member agencies around the state?
Our latest video connects the dots: Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO, Melissa Cherney, accompanies our Lead Driver, John Mulholland, on one of his weekly food deliveries to member agency Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) in Pawtucket.
Pictured: CCAP’s community garden oasis in Cranston, run by URI Master Gardener, Alan Newton
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for Rhode Islanders, and it also marks the start of the growing season for Rhode Island gardeners and farmers.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s member agency food pantries and meal sites around the state are committed to ensuring Rhode Islanders get the nutrition they need to thrive. Many develop community-centric solutions to the unique set of circumstances facing their neighbors, and CCAP is a prime example, using community gardening to increase the amount of fresh, locally-grown produce available in their food pantry. In addition to producing gorgeous produce, community gardening also offers enriching volunteer opportunities, builds a sense of community, and affords neighbors opportunities to connect with land stewardship.
CCAP is growing their own sustainable solutions to food insecurity. Nestled behind CCAP(Comprehensive Community Action Program)’s social services building on Doric Street in Cranston, you’ll find an urban oasis. The CCAP community garden boasts mature fruit trees and berry bushes, nurtures a variety of pollinator-friendly plants, and greenhouse- and garden-grown produce and herbs — including a variety of those that are culturally familiar to the neighbors they serve.
With multiple greenhouses, raised beds, an irrigation system for watering, and more, the CCAP community garden, led by Alan Newton, produces thousands of pounds of produce annually. Alan, a volunteer-turned-employee of CCAP, honed his gardening prowess from the URI Master Gardener program and leads a team of volunteers who keep the community garden humming – from weeding, pruning, harvesting – you name it.
As a result, the community garden distributed 4,700+ pounds locally-grown produce to guests of CCAP’s food pantry in 2025 alone, and they distributed vegetable plants to neighbors as well so they could grow their own at home.
Pictured: One of CCAP’s greenhouses and garden plots on Memorial Day weekend, ready for the official kickoff to the growing season.
As food insecurity remains a pervasive threat to Rhode Islanders due to changes to federal programs, rising inflation, and other economic factors, the strain on food pantries persists. Community gardening is a grassroots, community-centric, and sustainable solution to the persistent need of food insecurity, and CCAP in Cranston is a prime example of these ideals in action.
Pictured: A view of one of CCAP’s greenhouses from the back of the garden. On the right is one of their mature peach trees.
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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.
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Springtime Healthy Habits Recipes 🥗
Together with advocates from around the state, in late April, we engaged the RI General Assembly in support of legislation that would allocate $3 million in additional funding to help feed Rhode Islanders. Now, it’s time for the bill to be heard by the House Finance Committee.
There’s still time to express your support: email your Representativeby 3 PM this Thursday, May 14th. The easy-to-use tool on our website helps you send a message in 5 minutes or less.
TIP: Customizing the sample message helps ensure your email gets opened!
Springtime Healthy Habits Recipes
It’s officially springtime! As the days grow longer and the weather trends warmer, you may find yourself craving lighter meals with more fresh produce.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s Community Nutrition team develops delicious, seasonal recipes using cost-effective ingredients that can be swapped with canned, frozen, or fresh ingredients – whatever you have on-hand.
This Mediterranean Salad is packed with fresh veggies, protein, and healthy fats. Try it as a make-ahead weeknight dinner, or bring it to a Memorial Day get together. View our full list of recipes.
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.
There’s still time to show up for food security in Rhode Island.
Tuesday, April 28 is coming up fast, and we’re still looking for friends of the Food Bank to show their support at the Rhode Island State House! If you’ve been wanting to get involved, this is an excellent opportunity to volunteer for a good cause.
Here’s what you need to know: State legislators are considering $3 million in additional funding to help feed Rhode Island neighbors, but they need to hear from their constituents that this is a priority. That’s where you come in.
Join us this Tuesday, April 28 at 3:30 PM at the State House to speak directly with your legislators. We’ll be there to greet you, direct you to the Chambers, and provide talking points so you feel prepared. No experience necessary!
TIP: If you’re driving, plan ahead to find street parking. Consider carpooling with a friend or taking public transit.
Learn more, read the legislation, and email your legislators on our website.
Can’t make it on Tuesday but want to show your support? There are still ways to get involved – and it takes just 2 minutes!
Even if you are planning to attend this Tuesday’s event at the State House, we’re asking ALL of our supporters and partners to write to your legislators in support of these bills.
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.
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⚠️ Volunteer Opportunity: Fight Food Insecurity in RI
ACTION ALERT: The Food Bank is seeking volunteers to join us at the Rhode Island State House to advocate for increased funding for our work on Tuesday, April 28th at 3:30 PM.
We are so grateful to Governor Dan McKee, who included us in his FY27 budget for $2 million. But with food insecurity rising, and future reductions to the SNAP program still expected, we need more support from our state than ever. Our champions in the House and Senate have put forth companion bills to provide an additional $3 million to the Food Bank in FY27 – but lawmakers need to know this is important to their constituents!
We’re seeking the support of our community to tell our legislators: an investment in the Food Bank is an investment in Rhode Island.
Join us for a volunteer opportunity at the State House where we’ll direct you to House Chambers to speak directly with your representative. We’ll provide talking points and tips for engaging with your legislator.
Learn more, read the legislation, and find your legislators on our website.
On March 31st, we hosted our annual Empty Bowls event at the WaterFire Arts Center for an evening of food, art, and community. Thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors, and the talented artists who contributed their work, the night was a memorable celebration of just what makes Rhode Island great, and a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
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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.
One in three households in Rhode Island is experiencing food insecurity. It’s our neighbors. Our colleagues. Our friends. Hunger hides in plain sight and shows up in surprising places.
Each month, the RI Food Bank‘s network of member agencies provides access to food for more than 89,000 Rhode Islanders. With changes to SNAP and high prices on basic necessities like utilities, food, rent and gas, more families – even those with 2 jobs – are struggling to make ends meet. Today and tomorrow, Rhode Island comes together for 401Gives in support of nonprofits like the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, providing vital services to our community.
“I have a relative on disability and her benefits were cut to $10. She is ok because we help her, but what about the others who don’t have people to pick up the slack?” – Diane
“I just want to help others.” – Ernest
“I know many people personally who are helped by your organization. I donate in honor of my parents who were always ready to help others, even though we had little ourselves.” – Anonymous
“I was hungry, so I went shopping and was shocked by the prices. But there are many who have no option to remain hungry. I’m especially concerned for parents who rely on school breakfast and lunch.” – Elizabeth
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.
April 11-17 is the Week of the Young Child! Every April, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) invites families, educators, and communities to come together for this joyful celebration of early learning, young children, and the adults who support them.
This year, the RI Food Bank, Ocean State Media, and other Rhode Island organizations are coming together to host a special (and free!) Kick Off Celebration at the Providence Children’s Museum on Saturday, April 11.
Then, Monday through Friday during the Week of the Young Child, parents and educators are encouraged to engage little ones in a number of fun,free, and educational virtual activities. For more information about these activities and the kick-off event, visit Ocean State Media’s website.
Since 2020, 401Gives has brought Rhode Islanders together to make a difference for the local nonprofits that deliver vital services to our communities. This year, 401Gives will take place from 6 AM on Tuesday, March 31 through 6 PM on Wednesday, April 1.
Make your gift to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank early: early bird gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar! Starting at 6 AM on the 31st, the first $20,000 donated on the 401Gives site will be matched by the Papitto Opportunity Connection. Maximum match per donor, per nonprofit is $500.
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.
