14 Truckloads of USDA Food Canceled!
We share a vision of a Rhode Island where no one goes hungry. Unfortunately, recent federal cuts to vital hunger relief programs have impacted that vision, and we need to talk about it.
So, we’ll get right to it — the USDA recently canceled 14 of 30 truckloads of high-quality food that were scheduled to arrive at our facility between now and September.
The canceled truckloads represent 685,000 pounds of important protein items like chicken, pork and eggs – valued at $1.9 million – which were meant for hardworking adults, older adults on fixed incomes, and growing children across our state.
Our state support is also at risk of being cut. In the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, our allocation has been cut from $800,000 to $550,000. Supportive legislators have submitted bills to increase it to $1 million due to the increased demand, but nothing is yet in place.
Meanwhile, the demand for food was high before these federal cuts — we’re serving more than 84,000 people per month. If we’re hit with additional cuts while paying higher food costs due to our current administration’s tariff policies, we’re faced with an incredible challenge getting our neighbors the food they need to thrive.
We’re working hard to fill the gap and prepare for further challenges, knowing our collective reach is more effective with every partner, like you, who rises to the occasion.
Please consider a generous gift today to ensure healthy food is within reach of every Rhode Islander. With your support we will continue to serve our communities with dedicated, efficient hard work. We always do, and we always will.
Your advocacy, generosity and steadfast care matter. Thank you for standing with us.