2009 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank researches and produces this Status Report each year to document the extent of food insecurity and hunger in our state. Food insecure households cannot afford adequate food and therefore are at high risk for hunger. The Status Report on Hunger, by using extensive research and reporting from the Food Bank and other sources, examines the economic causes of food insecurity and hunger, the soaring demand for food assistance, and the importance of good nutrition for long-term health and disease prevention. As more Rhode Islanders face hunger, the Report urgently recommends ways to strengthen the safety net to help everyone in need.

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Download Your Copy of the 2009 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island

Quick Links:
Major Findings
Summary
Recommendations

Raising the Bar on Nutrition

A diet containing the most healthful foods – vegetables, fruit, whole grains and olive oil – is also affordable, even on a tight budget.  In cooperation with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Dr. Mary Flynn developed a hands-on, nutrition education program called, “Raising the Bar on Nutrition.”  The program is directed at low-income families and involves six weeks of cooking demonstrations with recipes that are plant based and olive oil friendly.  Although fresh vegetables and fruit are very healthy, our recipes utilize frozen or canned vegetables, which are equally good for the body, easier to store and less expensive.  In fact, to make the program’s recipes, the ingredients cost just $175 per week for a family of four.  This is 28 percent less than the USDA’s recommended weekly diet.10  Graduates of “Raising the Bar on Nutrition” consume more vegetables and whole grains and eat less meat, snacks and desserts.  They also spend significantly less money on groceries while they learn to make healthier food choices. Please take a look at the links below to learn more.

Raising the Bar on Nutriton - 7 Day Meal Plan for Healthy & Economical Living

Raising the Bar on Nutrition - Weekly Meal Plan Grid

Raising the Bar on Nutrition - Weekly Shopping List & Prices: Family of 4

USDA Recommended Weekly Diet for Family of 4 with Costs

USDA Website: http://www.mypyramid.gov/

Raising the Bar on Nutrition: Recipes

Macaroni & Cheese
Spinach, Beans & Pasta
Fried Rice Dinner
Vegetable Lo Mein
Southwest Lasagne
Vegetable Soup

Watch NBC-10's Coverage of the Release of the Status Report on Hunger