Rhode Island Community Food Bank
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to over 63,000 Rhode Islanders monthly through a network of 143 member agencies and offers various programs to promote nutrition and end hunger.
Services
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to those in need through a network of 143 member agencies. The organization provides a variety of programs such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Healthy Habits: Eating Well on a Budget, Meals4Kids Boxes, To-Go Bags, and Spice Boxes to meet specific community needs. They also engage in SNAP Outreach to help individuals determine eligibility and apply for SNAP benefits.
Programs for Healthy Eating
The Healthy Habits: Eating Well on a Budget program offers classes, workshops, and cooking demonstrations to promote healthy eating on a budget. The organization develops budget-friendly recipes using ingredients commonly found in their food pantries. They also offer nutrition education courses that last 4 to 6 weeks, covering topics like heart health, diabetes management, and food safety.
Food Rescue Efforts
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is connected with local grocery retailers through their Retail Rescue program. This initiative rescues perishable food that would otherwise go to waste, providing it to member agencies. This effort helps reduce food waste and ensures the distribution of nutritious, perishable items to those in need.
Advocacy and Community Involvement
The organization actively advocates for legislative priorities aimed at ending hunger, including initiatives like Healthy School Meals for All. They encourage community involvement through various means such as donating food, hosting virtual fundraisers, and volunteering. Fundraising events help them source and distribute healthy, nutritious, and culturally relevant foods.
Logistics and Distribution
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank operates from a 77,000-square-foot facility and maintains a fleet of trucks for efficient food collection, storage, and distribution. Last year, they distributed 16 million pounds of food and served more than 63,000 Rhode Islanders per month through their network of food pantries and meal sites.