10/31/2025
On 11/1/25 SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) benefits ended for almost 42 million Americans, 12.3% of the population. 40% of recipients are children, 20% are elderly, and 10% are disabled. Of the remaining 30%, a majority work in jobs that pay too little, thus qualifying them for assistance.
What does that mean for Rhode Island? According to the Rhode Island Foundation The program helps feed an estimated 143,000 men, women, and children in every city and town in Rhode Island.
What is the East Greenwich Interfaith Food Cupboard doing – NO ONE is turned away and while most clients come twice a month, they will be encourage and welcomed a third time.
The Rhode Island Foundation is earmarking $1 million in emergency grants to help feed people until the federal funding is unlocked.
The Foundation will send $200,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank immediately to help ramp up the food supply to its network of more than 100 food pantries and meal sites. The remaining $800,000 will be distributed to nonprofits directly by the Foundation through its Community Partner Resilience Fund.
“Philanthropy alone can’t fill the gap, but we’re asking the public to help us keep food on the tables for our neighbors throughout the state,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
“Our hope is that the generosity of the public and our donors will generate another $1 million to match our grant.”
Contributions to the Community Partner Resilience Fund are welcomed and can be made at rifoundation.org/food.
Together, we can ensure no Rhode Islander goes hungry.
