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