RI Community Food Bank: Record amount of food distributed in last year

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributed a record amount of food in the past fiscal year.

From July 2023 through July 2024, the organization served a monthly average of 82,600 people, which represents an increase of 15 percent of people served over the previous year, and 50 percent more people than pre-pandemic.

In fiscal year 2024, the food bank distributed 18.3 million pounds of food, versus 16.2 million pounds from the previous year.

4.1 million pounds were fresh produce and 3.3 million pounds were culturally relevant foods.

“The increase in costs for housing and food over the last few years has made it even harder for people who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Andrew Schiff, Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO.