A new report from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank reveals a startling increase in food insecurity across the state, with 38% of households now struggling to afford adequate food.
The 2024 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island, released at a Town Hall event today, shows food insecurity has reached a record high, particularly affecting communities of color.
Andrew Schiff, chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, says the organization is serving an unprecedented number of people each month.
“This year, the Food Bank served an average of 84,000 people per month across 147 member agencies,” Schiff says. “Even with emergency assistance from our agencies, SNAP benefits and school lunches, low-income families still missed an estimated 42 million meals. That’s an unacceptable number and this holiday season we’re calling on Rhode Islanders to maintain strong support for the Food Bank and its member agencies.”
The report highlights several key findings:
- Low-income Rhode Islanders miss over 42 million meals each year
- The Food Bank and its statewide network are serving 84,400 people monthly
- Basic annual household expenses for a single-parent family with two children in Rhode Island reached $83,239 in 2024
Rapid increases in the cost of living are cited as a primary factor driving food insecurity. Rising expenses for rent, utilities, transportation, childcare, and health care have left many households unable to afford sufficient food.
The Food Bank has responded to the increased need by significantly expanding its operations. In fiscal year 2024, the organization distributed 18.2 million pounds of food, including pantry staples, produce, fresh meats, dairy, and culturally relevant foods.
To meet the high demand, the Food Bank spent $8 million on food acquisition last year.
The food insecurity data comes from the RI Life Index, an initiative of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Brown University School of Public Health. The survey was conducted in March and April 2024.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank operates through a statewide network of 147 member agencies, including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs, and senior centers.
Last year, the organization distributed over 18 million pounds of food, with approximately 4.1 million pounds being fresh produce.
As a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity in the state.
The release of this report comes as many families prepare for the holiday season, traditionally a time of increased food consumption and financial strain for those already struggling to make ends meet.
With food insecurity affecting more than one-third of Rhode Island households, the report underscores the critical role of food banks and community support in addressing hunger.
As the state grapples with this growing crisis, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank continues to call for increased support and awareness to help meet the basic nutritional needs of all Rhode Islanders.
Read the full 2024 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.
