Exploring Food Insecurity: Rhode Island Food Bank CEO Visits Local Pantries to Gain Insights and Enhance Support Initiatives

September 24, 2025

East Providence, Rhode Island – Melissa Cherney, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Food Bank, has embarked on a statewide tour of local food pantries to assess the growing issue of food insecurity. Her initial visit on tuesday took her to the Good Neighbors Community Kitchen and Food Pantry in east Providence, where she met with frontline workers.

Rising Demand Strains Resources

The Rhode Island Food Bank plays a vital role in supplying essential provisions to numerous local pantries, including Good Neighbors. Kate Mushipi, Executive Director of Good Neighbors, expressed gratitude for the association’s support, noting that approximately 60 percent of their supplies come from the Food Bank. However, she also highlighted a important increase in the demand for assistance.

“In 2024, we assisted roughly 1,200 unique households, serving close to 4,500 individuals,” Mushipi stated. “We are currently projecting a 25 to 35 percent rise in the number of households and individuals we’ll serve by the end of this year.” This surge underscores the pressing need for additional resources to adequately support vulnerable populations.

A Proven Leader Steps In

Cherney brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served on the Fargo City Commission in North Dakota. She also held the positions of President and CEO at Great Plains Food bank, North Dakota’s largest hunger relief organization. A key achievement during her tenure was securing a $5-million appropriation from the North Dakota legislature, despite initial lack of funding.

“I am eager to replicate that success here in Rhode Island,” Cherney declared.”My focus is on advocating for increased funding and resources to combat food insecurity across the state.”

Beyond Food: addressing Essential Needs

Cherney’s visits to food pantries revealed a need extending beyond just food supplies. Pantry organizers have requested essential equipment, including freezers, coolers, and shelving, to improve storage capacity and preserve the quality of donated items. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by food relief organizations.

Alarming Statistics Reveal Growing Crisis

According to the Rhode Island Food Bank’s 2024 Status report on Hunger, two in five households in the state are now considered food insecure, a significant jump from one in three the previous year. Cherney anticipates that this number could worsen in the coming years, citing rising prices as a major contributing factor.

When questioned about the 2025 report, Cherney expressed pessimism about potential improvements. “I do not foresee a substantial decline. The number of food insecurity households is likely to remain stable, representing a significant number of seniors, children, and working families struggling to make ends meet,” she explained.

Collaboration and Anticipated Challenges

Cherney observed a strong spirit of collaboration and ingenuity among community organizations working to address hunger. Both cherney and Mushipi foresee increased demand due to impending cuts to the supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Good Neighbors, a volunteer-driven organization established 35 years ago, is prepared to meet the challenge, seeking additional funding, volunteers, and food donations.

“We are deeply concerned, but also steadfast to provide for those most in need within our community,” Mushipi affirmed.

Metric	2023	2024	Projected 2025 (Estimate)
Households Experiencing Food Insecurity	1 in 3	2 in 5	Similar to 2024
Households Served by Good Neighbors	1,200	1,200	1,620 – 1,920 (25-35% increase)

Understanding Food Insecurity and its Impacts

Food insecurity isn’t simply about a lack of food; it’s a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. According to the USDA, food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It can lead to a range of health problems, developmental issues in children, and increased stress and anxiety for families. USDA Economic research Service provides thorough data and insights into this critical issue.

Did You Know?

According to Feeding America, over 34 million people, including 9 million children, experienced food insecurity in the United States in 2023.

Pro Tip:

Donating to your local food bank is a direct way to support individuals and families facing food insecurity. You can also organize a food drive in your community or volunteer your time at a local pantry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Food Insecurity in Rhode Island

• What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity refers to the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

• what factors contribute to food insecurity in Rhode Island?

Rising living costs, stagnant wages, job loss, and limited access to grocery stores all contribute to food insecurity.

• How is the Rhode island Food Bank addressing this issue?

The Rhode Island Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food to local pantries and collaborates with community partners to increase access to nutritious food.

• What can I do to help combat food insecurity?

You can donate food or funds to local food banks, volunteer your time, or advocate for policies that support food security.

• Are SNAP benefits sufficient to address food insecurity?

SNAP benefits provide crucial assistance, but frequently enough are not enough to meet the needs of families, especially with rising food costs.

• What is the role of community pantries in addressing food insecurity?

Community pantries provide a vital safety net by offering direct food assistance to individuals and families in need.

What are your thoughts on the rising rates of food insecurity in our community? Share your comments below and help us spread awareness!

How might the Rhode Island Food Bank leverage the insights gained from pantry visits to advocate for policy changes that improve SNAP benefit accessibility?

Understanding the Landscape of Food Insecurity in Rhode Island

Food insecurity, defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, remains a significant challenge in Rhode Island.Recent data indicates a concerning rise in individuals and families experiencing hunger, exacerbated by economic factors like inflation and housing costs. The Rhode Island Food Bank, a crucial resource in combating this issue, recently undertook a series of visits to local food pantries across the state. This initiative, lead by CEO Andrew Schiff, aimed to gather firsthand insights into the evolving needs of the community and refine support strategies. Understanding food assistance programs and their limitations is key to addressing this complex problem.

The pantry Visit Initiative: A Deep Dive

CEO Schiff’s visits weren’t simply observational. They involved in-depth conversations with pantry directors, volunteers, and, most importantly, the individuals and families relying on these vital services. The goal was to move beyond statistics and understand the human impact of food insecurity.

Key areas of focus during these visits included:

* Client Demographics: Identifying shifts in who is seeking assistance – are more seniors needing support? Are working families increasingly reliant on pantries?

* Food Demand & Supply: assessing the most requested items versus what pantries are consistently able to provide. This highlights food shortages and gaps in donations.

* Operational Challenges: Understanding the hurdles pantries face – volunteer recruitment, storage capacity, transportation logistics, and funding limitations.

* Access Barriers: Identifying obstacles preventing individuals from accessing food, such as transportation issues, limited operating hours, or stigma associated with seeking help. SNAP benefits and their accessibility were frequently discussed.

Key Findings from the Pantry Visits

The visits revealed several critical insights. A recurring theme was the increasing demand for culturally relevant food options. Many pantries reported a growing need for ingredients catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences within the community.

Here’s a breakdown of key findings:

1. Rising Costs Impacting Pantry Budgets: Inflation has significantly increased the cost of purchasing food for pantries, forcing them to make arduous choices about what they can offer.
2. Increased demand for Protein: Clients consistently requested protein-rich foods like canned tuna, beans, and peanut butter, highlighting the need for nutritious options.
3. Transportation remains a Major Barrier: Many individuals lack reliable transportation to reach pantries, especially in rural areas.
4. Volunteer Shortages: Like many non-profits, pantries are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers, impacting their ability to operate efficiently.
5. Mental Health Concerns: Pantry staff observed a growing number of clients experiencing stress and anxiety related to food insecurity,emphasizing the link between hunger and health.

Enhancing Support Initiatives: the Rhode Island Food Bank’s Response

Based on the insights gathered, the Rhode Island Food Bank is implementing several initiatives to enhance its support for local pantries and the individuals they serve. These include:

* Increased funding for Pantry Capacity Building: Providing grants to pantries for infrastructure improvements, such as refrigeration units and storage space.

* Expansion of Mobile food Pantry Program: Bringing food directly to underserved communities, addressing transportation barriers.

* culturally Relevant Food Sourcing: Prioritizing the procurement of food items that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of Rhode Island residents.

* Volunteer Recruitment & Training: Launching a statewide volunteer recruitment campaign and providing training to pantry volunteers.

* Advocacy for Policy Changes: Supporting policies that address the root causes of food insecurity, such as increasing access to affordable housing and job training programs. Food policy is a critical component of long-term solutions.

The Role of Community Partnerships in Combating Hunger

The Rhode Island Food Bank recognizes that addressing food insecurity requires a collaborative effort. Strengthening partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations is crucial.

Examples of successful partnerships include:

* Food Drives: Collaborating with local businesses and schools to organize food drives.

* Gleaning Programs: Partnering with farms to collect surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste.

* SNAP Outreach: Working with community organizations to help eligible individuals enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

* Cooking Matters Classes: Offering cooking classes to teach individuals how to prepare healthy, affordable meals.

Benefits of Addressing Food Insecurity

Investing in solutions to food insecurity yields significant benefits for individuals and the community as a whole. These include:

* Improved Health Outcomes: Access to nutritious food leads to better physical and mental health.

* Enhanced Educational Attainment: Children who are well-nourished are better able to focus in school and achieve academic success.

* Increased Economic Productivity: Healthy individuals are more likely to be employed and contribute to the economy.

* Stronger Communities: Addressing food insecurity fosters a sense of community and social cohesion.

practical Tips for supporting the Fight Against Hunger

Individuals can play a vital role in combating food insecurity. Here are a few practical ways to get involved:

* Donate Food: Contribute non-perishable food items to your local food pantry.

* Volunteer your Time: offer your time