Rhode Island Food Bank 2023 status report finds 29% of households face food insecurity

Samantha Latos,
This is a file image of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. (WLNE)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Community Food Bank released its 2023 status report on hunger on Tuesday.

The organization found that 29% of Rhode Island households are unable to meet basic food needs. The number is even higher for families with children and people of color.

“This year, our member agencies saw an average of 77,500 people a month, from January through September 2023,” said Andrew Schiff, chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

“Many families, even with two incomes, are simply unable to keep up with the rising costs of rent, utilities, and food,” he said. “When you couple that with the end of several COVID-era benefits, it’s very concerning.”

The report shows a record number of Rhode Islanders face food insecurity. Nearly one in three households cannot afford adequate food.

The organization said an end to free meals for all students led to a decline in the number of children signed up for school breakfast and lunch.

“The number of guests visiting our pantry, many for the first time, is staggering. Many receive SNAP benefits, but they only last for part of the month,” said Rilwan Feyisitan Jr., President & CEO of the East Bay Community Action Program and Food Bank board member.

The Food Bank distributed $16.2 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2023.

Food prices have risen by 11% from July 2022 to July 2023, according to a recent Rhode Island food cost study. The fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Rhode Island grew by 14% in one year — from $1,264 in 2022 to $1,444 in 2023.

The organization listed the following steps to combat hunger in Rhode Island:

  • Advocate for the Rhode Island General Assembly to increase state funding for the Food Bank from $550,000 to $1 million in response to the high need for food assistance.
  • Urge Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation to boost SNAP benefit levels to keep pace with the real cost of food.
  • Ask Gov. Dan McKee and the General Assembly to make school lunch and breakfast free for all students in the 2025 fiscal year budget.
  • Call on Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation to reinstate the expanded Child Tax Credit.
Categories: Rhode Island

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