COVID-19 Update -
Helping Our Neighbors in Need
Food Bank Operations Update
 The Rhode Island Community Food Bank
and its member agencies continue to respond to the COVID-19 public
health emergency, distributing food to neighbors in need throughout the
state.
We know that member agencies are seeing many more people seeking food
assistance, in some cases double the amount.
As one example, the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center in Newport
reported serving 1,018
people between March 16-25. That number represents
approximately a quarter of the people served there during all of 2019.
Voices of
People in Need
Many of the guests visiting food pantries have never done so before. Up
until recently, these
new visitors were employed and suddenly find themselves in need of food
assistance.
Here are just a few quotes from people needing food assistance:
“I’m running
out of food to eat to hold me until I get my SNAP benefits. I’m trying
to ration out what little I have right now, so I can at least have
something to eat.”
Pawtucket
“I am a mother
of 2 teenage girls working in direct care with COVID-19 patients. I am
struggling financially until my next pay period (this Friday) and
running low on groceries. How can I get help?”
Providence
“I have 2
school aged children and was wondering how to go about getting the
meals4kids boxes.”
Location
Unknown
“I am very
sick and quarantined. I have two kids and a husband and we are all
quarantined. We need help with food.”
Johnston
“I just got
laid off due to coronavirus. I am an international student here and I
have no family members. I have no income as well. How can I receive
some food?”
Providence
For anyone in need of food assistance, we direct them to the Find Food
page on our website, which we update regularly to ensure that everyone
in our community knows exactly where they can access food resources. Or
they can call 2-1-1, the 24-hour resource guide managed by the United
Way of Rhode Island.
Healthy
Habits Recipes
 Did you know our website contains recipes for you to try at
home from our Healthy Habits nutrition education
program?
These recipes are shared with our member agencies so that guests can
prepare healthy meals on a limited budget.
Many of the ingredients are pantry staples you might already have at
home.
Visit our website
to check out some inexpensive and delicious options that will be a hit
with the whole family.
Donate Funds
Day
On Friday, WPRI Channel 12
is holding a fundraising day for the Food Bank, asking viewers to
donate funds to support our work. Tune in to the morning news and the Rhode
Show to learn how you can help.
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