The Challenge
Youth Pride faces challenges such as rising food costs in the US and anti-LGBTQ+ policies, which impact the mental health of queer youth, causing higher rates of anxiety and depression which make them prone to food insecurity.
The Approach
Youth Pride is able to give away food through a collection of grants, a partial sponsorship with Stop and Shop, and donations from community members, individuals, and businesses that raise money.
By The Numbers
Youth Pride’s food pantry and its impact.
- Amount of food given away weekly: 207 pounds
- 2024 Total food given away: 7,206.34 pounds
- 2024 Total people helped: 941 people
Ensure Food Security for All Rhode Islanders
To close the gaps in the food security of Rhode Island youths, while providing a support network for them.
Program Description
Statement of Impact
Youth Pride makes a powerful impact in the Providence community by supporting LGBTQ+ youth through providing food, counseling, and housing assistance.
Statement of Changes
Youth Pride helps children and young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ by providing free food and clothes, counseling, housing assistance, and job training. Through the food pantry at Youth Pride, fewer young people will go hungry in Rhode Island and they will gain a support system. Youth Pride aids in improving mental health by supplying nutritious meals. This is important because of the connection between nutrition and mental health.
Future Plans
Youth Pride’s future plans include staying open and expanding the center to enhance access to its resources in order to benefit the children and young adults who rely on them.
This Rhode Island Story was prepared by Odyssey Scott