Food Bank Kicks Off 2022 Summer Funds Drive

Inflation impacts Rhode Islanders’ ability to afford adequate food. Food Bank seeks funds to provide food assistance.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is launching its 2022 Summer Funds Drive, taking place now through the end of August. The effects of inflation can be felt across the state, from rising costs at the pump, to rent and utilities, to meeting basic needs like putting food on the table. Just as inflation has raised prices at the grocery store, it’s also impacted the Food Bank’s costs to make fresh, nutritious foods available to those who need them most.

The best way to support the Food Bank in meeting Rhode Islanders’ need for food assistance is with a donation of funds versus food. With a donation, the Food Bank can purchase the foods most in demand by our agencies at a lower cost, including more fresh, local produce and culturally relevant foods such as avocados, limes, bok choy and taro root. We can also pay the costs of transporting and processing foods donated by manufacturers, farms and retailers.

“We’re seeing more people seeking help at our member food pantries as low-income families struggle to make ends meet and afford enough food because of inflation,” said Andrew Schiff, CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “We can stretch a dollar much further than the average consumer can at the grocery store, bringing in healthy, culturally relevant foods by the truckload to ensure that no one goes hungry this summer.”

The Food Bank is challenging its supporters to organize an online fundraiser with a group of colleagues, friends or family members, or to simply make a donation. By donating to the Summer Funds Drive, supporters of the Food Bank are helping to ensure that families across Rhode Island can fill their plates with goodness.


About the Rhode Island Community Food Bank
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to more than 54,000 struggling Rhode Islanders each month through a statewide network of 150 member agencies including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs and senior centers. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 15.1 million pounds of food, of which approximately 2.5 million pounds was fresh produce. The Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.