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

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IRA Gifts

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Donor Advised Funds

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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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The Food Bank Celebrates RI Grown Week

RI Grown, an initiative of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) that aims to connect consumers with locally grown food, held their first RI Grown Week this week. On Monday at Farm Fresh RI’s Sims Ave headquarters, representatives from RI DEM, state legislators, local nonprofit leaders, and other champions for local agriculture came together to kick off the week. RI Food Bank CEO, Melissa Cherney, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the critical role local food systems play in food security.

Jen Tomassini, Chief Operating Officer of the RI Food Bank (pictured, middle), shared with representatives from DEM that, year-to-date, the RI Food Bank has already acquired 85% more local produce than last year at this time – hitting our 45% annual target for local food distributed in just the first quarter of the fiscal year.

“If we make our local food system stronger, it makes Rhode Island more resilient and able to handle unexpected strains on the emergency system,” Jen shared.

The Food Bank is proud to live the values of RI Grown: Get Fresh, Buy Local. You can support these efforts by shopping local when possible, staying informed on local food policy issues, and supporting the organizations engaged in this work.

Cooking Up Impactful Partnerships: Healthy Habits at the Genesis Center

Creating meaningful partnerships in the community that support our neighbors in a variety of ways is a key part of the work of our Healthy Habits Community Nutrition team.

The team recently partnered with the Genesis Center, a Providence-based organization offering high-quality education, job training, and support services so folks can achieve economic independence. Among other supports, they offer job training programs in healthcare, culinary arts, and early childhood education.

The Community Nutrition team holds tailored Healthy Habits sessions at the Genesis Center weekly during each culinary arts cohort, integrating accessible and practical nutrition education into their curriculum.

“It’s partnerships like this that help us extend the impact of our work, building a healthier, more food-secure community together,” said Yesenia Barnier, Director of Community Nutrition at the RI Food Bank.

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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Melissa Hits the Road on a Statewide Pantry Tour

Our new CEO, Melissa Cherney, is on the road this week meeting with representatives from food pantries across Rhode Island—from Pawtucket to Newport—as part of a statewide tour of our member agencies. These visits are all about connecting with local leaders, hearing directly from the teams serving our neighbors, and discussing how we can work together to tackle record food insecurity in our state.

Pictured (above): Melissa stops for a smile with Paul Salera, President/CEO of Westbay Community Action Program during a pantry tour, joined volunteers from Connecting for Children & Families for a group photo, and is seen here with Kate Mushipi, Executive Director of Good Neighbors, in their food pantry.

We’re grateful to our member agency partners who open their doors to welcome us, and we can’t wait to share more highlights from the tour soon! Stay tuned to our social media for more.

New Research: RI Struggles to Afford Balanced Meals

September is Hunger Action Month, and all month long, we have been sharing stories and information that reveal what hunger looks like in our state.

Researchers at Brown University’s School of Public Health have partnered with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to conduct Rhode Island Voices, a project of the RI Life Index. The initiative is a statewide survey designed to capture the lived experiences of Rhode Islanders. Findings demonstrated that community members are overwhelmingly facing tough choices when it comes to putting food on the table.

According to the research, nearly 50% of Rhode Islanders surveyed said they sometimes or often couldn’t afford to eat balanced meals.

“You can go from one financial situation to another in a minute,” Donna, a guest at one of our member agencies, shared with us. “Thankfully there’s help.”

You’re Invited: Raise a Pint for the Food Bank

Join us on Thursday, October 9th for our Pints with Purpose kick-off event at The Guild in Pawtucket (461 Main St, Pawtucket) from 6-9 PM! Every month, The Guild chooses a local nonprofit to support, with $2 from the sale of every Pints with Purpose pint benefitting that organization. In October, it’s the Food Bank’s turn! We received so many creative submissions for beer names from the public, and we’re excited to announce the winner. Join us for the big reveal, a raffle with great prizes from local businesses, and to raise a pint to support the Food Bank. We’ll see you there!

You Can Take Action This September

Become a Monthly Sustainer

Give monthly via an automatic charge to your card or deduction from your bank account to ensure our continued ability to meet our community’s need.

Become a Sustainer

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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Meet Melissa Cherney, CEO of the RI Community Food Bank

We are proud to introduce Melissa Cherney, new CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. A North Dakota native, Melissa comes to us after nearly two decades of service at the Great Plains Food Bank in Fargo, North Dakota. In this heartfelt video, Melissa shares her story: her upbringing, struggles with food insecurity, and a bold vision for the future. Please join us in extending a warm East Coast welcome to Melissa!

Rising Grocery Prices = Fewer Fruits & Veggies on RI Dinner Tables

September is Hunger Action Month, and all month long, we’re sharing stories and information that reveal what hunger looks like in our state.

Researchers at Brown University’s School of Public Health have partnered with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to conduct Rhode Island Voices, a project of the RI Life Index. The initiative is a statewide survey designed to capture the lived experiences of Rhode Islanders. Findings demonstrated that community members are overwhelmingly facing tough choices when it comes to putting food on the table.

According to the research, nearly 30% of Rhode Islanders surveyed said they buy fewer fruits & vegetables due to rising grocery prices.

We sat down with Sueidy, a guest and volunteer at one of our member agency food pantries, who shared: “A lot of people see fresh produce, like peaches, at the pantry and say, ‘this is so great.’ You can see on their faces that they’re very grateful.”

Hunger Action Day 2025

Food Bank staff wore orange on September 9th, Hunger Action Day, to show our commitment to ending hunger in the Ocean State.

You Can Take Action This September

Donate Food

Learn how you can start a food drive to benefit the Food Bank. See a list of needed food and download posters and materials.

Start a Drive

Learn More

Read the Rhode Island Voices report, a partnership between Brown University’s School of Public Health and Blue Cross & Blue Sheild of RI.

Make a Gift

Your gift supports our efforts to acquire healthy, nutritious food and distribute it to struggling families, individuals and seniors.

Donate Now

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 147 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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Raise a Pint for the Food Bank!

We’re excited to partner with The Guild Brewing Co. in October for their Pints with Purpose program! Each month, the Guild highlights a local nonprofit by naming a beer in their honor AND donating proceeds from the sale of that beer. We want you to get in on the fun to help us name this charitable brew!  

• 1. Submit your best beer name idea by Sept. 21 using the submission form.
• 2. Food Bank staff will vote on their favorite.
• 3. The winner gets a $50 gift card + bragging rights when the beer debuts!  

We’ll announce the name of the beer at a special event: 🗓️ Join us at The Guild’s taproom in Pawtucket on Oct. 9th (6-9 PM) for the big reveal and launch party. Starting that night for the month of October, $2 from every pint of the newly-named beer sold will benefit the Food Bank. So grab a brew, get creative, and help us name our purposeful pint! 🍺

Food Costs Outpace Budgets for Many Rhode Islanders

September is Hunger Action Month, and all month long, we’re sharing stories and information that reveal what hunger looks like in our state.

Researchers at Brown University’s School of Public Health have partnered with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to conduct Rhode Island Voices, a project of the RI Life Index. The initiative is a statewide survey designed to capture the lived experiences of Rhode Islanders. Findings demonstrated that community members are overwhelmingly facing tough choices when it comes to putting food on the table.

According to the research, nearly 50% of Rhode Islanders surveyed have had trouble stretching their food and didn’t have money to buy more.

We sat down with Lydia, a guest at one of our member agency food pantries, who shared: “Everything is really expensive. I know how much I have to spend, and I try to make sure the money we have allows us to afford everything we need. When I need help, I get it from the food pantry.”

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 147 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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A Message from Our CEO

Dear Friends,

It is an honor to introduce myself as the new CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Just last month, I moved to Rhode Island from North Dakota, where I spent the past 18 years at the Great Plains Food Bank, serving the last four years as CEO. In that time, I had the privilege of working alongside passionate people committed to ending hunger. I am eager to meet and collaborate with our champions here in the Ocean State – and beyond. As the incoming chair of Feeding America’s Policy Engagement and Advocacy Committee, I work with advocates nationwide, and we will tap into those connections on behalf of our work locally.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank has a proud tradition of statewide reach and impact. Across our network, we remain deeply committed to building upon that strong legacy. Together, with our team, partners, member agencies, volunteers, and supporters, we will continue to advance our mission of ensuring no Rhode Islander goes hungry.

Thank you for welcoming me into this incredible community. I’m energized by the work ahead and what we can accomplish, together.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks and months to come and, in the meantime, please consider getting involved by making a donation to the Food Bank today, or volunteering with one of our member agencies.

In partnership,

Melissa Cherney
Chief Executive Officer, Rhode Island Community Food Bank

New Research: When Food Costs Rise, Families Fall Behind

September is Hunger Action Month, and all month long, we’ll be sharing stories and information that reveal what hunger looks like in our state.

Researchers at Brown University’s School of Public Health have partnered with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to conduct “Rhode Island Voices,” a statewide survey designed to capture the lived experiences of those experiencing food insecurity in our state. The data tells a story of Rhode Islanders making tough choices when it comes to their spending and eating habits in light of a rising cost of living.

According to the research, nearly 50% of Rhode Islanders surveyed in Rhode Island Voices are buying less food due to the high cost of groceries. We sat down with Shelby, a guest at one of our member agency food pantries, who shared some of what she’s experienced recently: “Grocery prices are way up,” she remarked. “I fell behind with everything — everything — and it’s been really, really tough.”

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 147 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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September is Hunger Action Month

Each September, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank observes national Hunger Action Month: a time to inform, motivate, and mobilize.

This year, it’s more important than ever. 🟧 The Food Bank is serving an average of 89,000 Rhode Islanders per month – more people than ever in our history. 

Follow along this month to hear from the folks we support, see how hunger affects our state, and discover ways you can make a difference. 

Food for Thought

Nutritious food is critical to health. That’s why the Food Bank sources a variety of pantry staples, fresh produce, culturally relevant foods and proteins to distribute through our member agencies.

We caught up with warehouse manager, Joe Regan, while he was loading up a truck for delivery.

“Healthy food supports wellness throughout our community,” Joe shared. “Having access to it through the Food Bank means people have more choices in what they can provide their families.”

The Food Bank is committed to prioritizing nutritious foods for distribution to our community. We’re so grateful to staff like Joe, who live our mission 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 147 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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