The only way we’re going to solve this is if we’re all working together, linking arms, and building a movement to end hunger.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO, Melissa Cherney, joined Ian Donnis on Ocean State Media last week, to talk about the need for food assistance, the impact of SNAP changes on RI, and how we come together around the problem.

Parents, Mark Your Calendars!

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.

Less Than a Week ’til 401Gives!

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 31^st, 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.

Bookmark the RI Food Bank’s 401Gives page, and set your alarm so your gift can go twice as far!

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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.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank︱rifoodbank.org︱(401) 942-6325︱200 Niantic Avenue, Providence RI 02907︱contactus@rifoodbank.org

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Good Food, Great Impact:
Empty Bowls 2026

Presented by:

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

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank‘s beloved Empty Bowls fundraiser is just a few short weeks away! Celebrating Rhode Island’s vibrant creative community, this annual event supports neighbors facing hunger across the state. Your ticket includes unlimited tastings from 30+ local eateries, plus a handcrafted bowl of your choice to keep as a reminder that your support helps fill empty bowls.

Tickets are going fast with fewer than 100 remaining. Grab yours today before we sell out!

Participating eateries include…

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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.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank︱rifoodbank.org︱(401) 942-6325︱200 Niantic Avenue, Providence RI 02907︱contactus@rifoodbank.org

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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!

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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.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank︱rifoodbank.org︱(401) 942-6325︱200 Niantic Avenue, Providence RI 02907︱contactus@rifoodbank.org

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

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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.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank︱rifoodbank.org︱(401) 942-6325︱200 Niantic Avenue, Providence RI 02907︱contactus@rifoodbank.org

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

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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. 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

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.

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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. 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

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!

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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

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

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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

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

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

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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

“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.

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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