The Challenge
Rhode Island has a high cost of living and many people throughout the East Bay are food insecure.
The Approach
This invaluable program, run by both staff members and volunteers, serves the East Bay community by collaborating with local farms, companies, and organizations to provide residents with access to a variety of foods and household items at no cost.
By The Numbers
Since the East Bay Food Pantry opened in 2009, it has made a significant impact on the East Bay community.
- Number of pounds distributed since it opened: 5,266,251
- Percentage of food purchasing dollars spent on fresh produce in 2024: 44 %
- Number of unique people served in 2024: 2,400 people
- Number of families served per month: 525 families
Ensure Food Security for All Rhode Islanders
To ensure that all East Bay residents have access to nutritious, wholesome food.
Program Description
Statement of Impact
This program directly impacts families and individuals dealing with food insecurity across the East Bay.
Statement of Changes
Since the East Bay Food Pantry has opened, it has improved the quality of life for those who have faced or are currently facing food insecurity across the East Bay. It has addressed an issue that is often overlooked, as this area is often seen as middle and/or upper class, and many do not realize that food insecurity is so prominent here. People in the East Bay, from East Providence down to Little Compton, either visit the food pantry or receive deliveries from the food pantry via their mobile services. Through the seven different food programs offered by the pantry, children, teens, adults, and especially senior citizens have all benefited from the services provided, and the EBFP has become a vital part of the East Bay. An added bonus is that the East Bay Food Pantry also has a thrift shop, offering clothing and household items at a low cost for anybody looking to shop, which in turn provides more funding for the food pantry programs. Additionally, the community as a whole has strengthened, as the food pantry not only partners with other local companies, farms, and organizations, but also because many locals visit the pantry to bring in food and clothing donations, to shop at the thrift store, or to simply volunteer their time. Overall, the EBFP has become an essential part of Rhode Island, ensuring that low-income people across the state have access to a wide variety of nutritious foods, low cost clothing, along with a judgment-free place to receive assistance.
Future Plans
The East Bay Food Pantry plans to continue providing food and household goods to those in need, and plans to continue their partnerships with other local organizations, farms, and businesses. They will continue to run their thrift shop as well. They plan on making improvements to their space to increase food storage, and are also building resilience into their food programs to prepare for any potential changes and challenges they may face in the near future.
This Rhode Island Story was prepared by Eliza Sirpenski