The Challenge
Keeping up with the growing number of people looking for food aid, maintaining a consistent base of large donors and ensuring that Project Hand Up provides customers with healthy, fresh produce and unprocessed foods.
The Approach
At the beginning of each day, donations arrive and are brought into the warehouse to be sorted by Project Hand Up’s volunteer staff. The grocery bags are filled with as much variety of foods as possible. Customers are then serviced by way of a drive-thru system, in which they have the groceries brought out to their car. They receive upwards of $200 worth of groceries for a suggested $6 donation. Customers can make use of Project Hand Up’s service once a week, no requirements and no questions asked.
By The Numbers
Here are the number of families served since we opened on January 12, 2017:
- Customers served since 2017: 130,000+
- Number of volunteers: 40+
Ensure Food Security for All Rhode Islanders
To provide consistent and unconditional food assistance to the greater Rhode Island community and ease the burden of those living paycheck to paycheck.
Program Description
Statement of Impact
Project Hand Up directly assists individuals and families throughout Rhode Island who are facing food insecurity by providing a reliable and judgement-free means of food assistance for New Englanders of all ages and backgrounds.
Statement of Changes
With over 100,000 community members served since its inception, Project Hand Up has eased the burden of countless individuals and families who struggle to access and afford groceries.
Future Plans
Growing its list of large donors, prioritizing fresh fruits and vegetables and engaging in other helpful and sustainable activities like recycling and community outreach.
This Rhode Island Story was prepared by Alex Beattie