In Rhode Island, we have access to an incredible bounty of fresh, healthy, local foods. The Food Bank partners with a variety of farmers, gleaners and growers to ensure that our member agencies can provide these nutritious foods to guests.
“All forms of nutritious foods count,” said Jen Tomassini, Food Bank chief operating officer. “But during the growing season, fresh is best. We’ve formed great partnerships with local farmers and businesses that benefit everyone involved.”
Hope’s Harvest volunteers glean surplus produce from local farms, like greens, peppers and squash, which is then sent out to hunger relief agencies including the Food Bank. We’ve received half a million pounds of gleaned fresh produce from the program since 2019, getting a rich bounty from growers like Four Town Farm and Martinez Farm.
“We live in a country full of abundance,” said Shannon Hickey, assistant director of operations. “There is enough for everyone, and everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. We’re so glad to work with the Food Bank to help get it in the hands of those who need it.”
Gotham Greens builds and operates sustainable greenhouses across the country, including a location in Providence. Valuing partnerships with local schools, community organizations and non-profits, Gotham committed to a weekly donation of lettuce to our four Kids Cafe after-school meal programs to provide healthy green salads to children at risk of hunger.
“We’re proud that we can support local community programs here in Rhode Island,” said Adam Desmond, Gotham Greens plant manager. “We’ve loved working with the Food Bank to provide healthy food.”
The Food Bank also works closely with Confreda, Young’s and Ferolbink Farms, as well as others, to source fresh, local produce during the growing season.
The Food Bank works closely with family-owned Wright’s Dairy Farm in North Smithfield to distribute fresh, local milk. Dairy products are frequently requested by our agencies but pose challenges both in availability and distribution.
Wright’s recently received a grant from the US Department of Agriculture to make 500,000 pounds of fresh milk available to the community at a fraction of what it sells for in retail stores. And by delivering directly to our agencies, Wright’s has expanded our ability to provide fresh milk across the network.
IMPACT: In FY24, the Food Bank distributed over 4 million pounds of produce through our network, empowering guests to eat more healthfully on a budget.
