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More Fresh Produce for People in Need

One of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s goals is to increase the amount and variety of fresh produce we are distributing into the community. Thanks to a Community Nutrition Grant from Kraft Foods, we have been able to acquire more fruits and vegetables from local farmers and growers. Dozens of local farmers are donating excess product throughout their growing season to feed hungry Rhode Islanders.

And, as the Food Bank receives more produce, we need to make sure that our member food pantries are well-equipped and ready to properly handle and store the perishable foods….which is where The Champlin Foundations come in. Thanks to a very generous donation from The Champlin Foundations, the Food Bank was able to purchase large coolers and freezers on behalf of our members. To date, we have installed 24 coolers and 19 freezers at 30 different member agencies!!

On the road with Neighborhood Pantry Express

Thanks to funding from The Rhode Island Foundation, the Food Bank launched a mobile food pantry in April, and named it Neighborhood Pantry Express. The mobile pantry allows us to make special deliveries during the week to areas of the state with the greatest unmet need. In its first year, the Food Bank is targeting the high-risk communities of Woonsocket and Newport. Neighborhood Pantry Express arrives fully loaded with fresh produce, bread and other foods and then sets up for distribution in an easily assessable site such as a church or library parking lot.

New Kids Cafe Opening at MLK School in Providence!

Our Food Bank is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Kids Cafe in the Mount Hope neighborhood of Providence. This community is in dire need of services for children- and in particular, services for middle school aged youth who are at-risk for involvement with gangs, violent activities and drug usage. The Food Bank’s partner, the Mount Hope Neighborhood Association has helped develop a series of after-school activities throughout the community, and sometimes snacks are provided. But now, thanks to ConAgra Foods, the Food Bank will provide well-balanced, evening meals to at least 150 children four days a week, year round.

Establishing the new Kids Cafe is a wonderful testament to the power of collaboration. The Food Bank is opening the new Kids Cafe at the Martin Luther King School in Providence. Already host to several after school programs, the MLK School is the perfect meal-site because of its spacious kitchen and cafeteria space, ready to accommodate all the children in need of an evening meal.