What’s Inside• SummerFoodDriveUnderway

• RhodeIslandEnrollingMoreFamiliesinFoodStamps

• WomenEndingHungerTakesonChildhoodHunger

• RICommunityFarmExpands

RI Community Food Bank

200 Niantic Avenue

Providence, RI 02907

(401) 942-MEAL

WWW.RIFOODBANK.ORG

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A P lace at the TableHard Working Family Helped by Food Pantry

This place means everything,” began Norma at the St. Edward Food & Wellness Center on Branch Avenue in Providence,

a member agency of the Food Bank. To support their family, Norma worked for a company that sold water filtration systems for homes while Paul was employed at a jew-elry manufacturing factory. Their jobs allowed the family to live a modest life with minimal struggle. “We always had food on the table, and took care of all of our basics,” said Norma. Unfortunately, their lives changed when the factory that Paul worked at moved out of state. “The factory closed, Paul lost his job and our benefits along with it,” stated Norma. “It was hard on us. As the children are growing, they eat a lot—especially milk and snacks.” To help make ends meet, Norma picked up a second job while Paul searched for employ-ment. But, time passed and he was unable to find work. Unexpectedly, a medical emergency came up, making the family’s situation more difficult.

“We no longer had benefits and these new bills took money away from our household budget,” explained Norma. “There were times when we would make sure the kids were fed before worrying about ourselves.” Thankfully, Paul recovered and soon found work as a maintenance technician. Even with the new job, Paul and Norma found it difficult to make ends meet in a troubled economy with the rising costs of food, fuel and utilities. For help, Norma turned to the food pantry at St. Edward’s church in their neighborhood. “I was very uncomfortable the first

time, but I had no choice. My family needed to eat. This place is a blessing, and I am glad that I made the tough decision to come for help.” The food they receive at the pantry allows the family to maintain their healthy eating habits. “We have always tried to be a family that eats nutritiously,” explained Norma. The family planted a garden to grow their own lettuce, tomatoes and strawberries. “I also go to the farmers’ market in Pawtucket to get other fruits and vegetables that supplement what we grow.” Summertime, however, presents new challenges for low-income families. School is out, and children no longer have access to the federal lunch program that helps thousands of Rhode Island students during the academic year. “We always try to eat breakfast together each day,” offered Norma.

“

“There were times

when we would make

sure the kids were

fed before worrying

about ourselves.”

Mission:The Rhode Island Community Food Bank provides food to people in need and promotes long-term solutions to the problem of hunger.

N E W S l E T T E R o F T H E R H o d E I S l A N d C o M M U N I T y F o o d B A N k

C o N T I N U E d o N PA g E 3

TheLaurofamilyisgratefulforthehelptheyreceiveattheSt.EdwardFood&WellnessCenter.

Board of Directors

Fr. Frank Sevola, oFMPresident

Raymond Welsh Vice President

Patricia M. Cerilli, CPA Treasurer

Mary Flynn, Ph.d., Rd, ldN Secretary

Nancy Verde BarrRev. Jean Barrylorraine Burnsgerry FernandezRev. gerald Finnegan, S.J.Mark W. FreelArnold M. FriedmanMichael A. gamboliJewel lee gregsonMargaret Holland McduffBob McdonoughJohn d. Muggeridgedennis Royguia SanchezSusan l. SantosCheryl A. Senerchialisa StantonRichard Tremblaydale J. VenturiniWilliam R. Walter

Newsletter StaffCHIEFExECUTIvEOFFICERAndrew SchiffCHIEFFINANCIALOFFICERChristine CannataCHIEFpHILANTHROpyOFFICER lisa Roth Blackman

CHIEFOpERATINGOFFICERJen Tomassini

NEWSLETTEREDITORMichael Cerio

DESIGN&pRODUCTIONNonprofitdesign.com

F R o M T H E E x E C U T I V E d I R E C T o R

WWW.RIFOODBANK.ORG

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Paying It Forward

Our pervasive economic woes lack a cohesive title. Some people call this “The great Recession,” or “The Financial Crisis of 2009,” or “The Sub-

Prime Mortgage Mess.” The label doesn’t matter when we all know economic hardship is closer to home than ever before for many Rhode Islanders. If you’re like most people, I’m sure anxiety about the future is a part of daily life, even if you have a stable job. It’s hard to see homes boarded up, once-prosperous businesses closing their doors, and neighbors out of work without feeling nervous and uncertain about one’s own future. In this context, reaching beyond oneself to help a neighbor in need is truly remarkable.

I want to share one poignant story from a letter that I just received:

“I was laid off from work for two months, and this wonderful human being fed me while I was unemployed. He did this without being asked; just felt that I might need some help. We have been friends for over 30 years, and his warmth, thoughtfulness and generosity never cease to amaze me. His only request was that I ‘pay it forward.’ So I’m sending this small gift to honor him and his request—I only wish it could be more.”

At the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, we see the adversity up close—in the personal stories of our clients and in the experiences of our Member Agencies. due to lay-offs and less income, more families are turning to the Food Bank and our Member Agencies for food assistance—an increase of 26 percent in the number served over last year. our member food pantries and soup kitchens are doing everything possible to help the hungry and, so far, they’ve found a way to provide meals to all of the new people coming to their doors. Because of the incredible generosity of our supporters, the Food Bank responds to the growing statewide demand for food assistance. We know that in tough times donors give first to organi-zations they trust. At the Food Bank, we earn your trust by ensuring donors’ dollars are used wisely and donated food is distributed to those who need it most—every single day. For a youngster growing up, food is an integral part of family life. When we look back on childhood, we can recall festive holiday dinners, picnics, and suppers around the kitchen table. Not every child felt full. Some of us can remember times of deprivation. I think these childhood memories, both good and bad, fuel our empathy for people facing hunger and our desire to act, rather than merely witness. We can’t ever completely repay the people that fed us and cared for us as children so we “pay it forward” as adults by contributing our money, food, time and energy to help the hungry. I am so grateful for the renewed commitment shown by our supporters this year. your compassion for others, particularly in these difficult times, is an enduring strength of the Rhode Island community.

Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer

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Did You Know...Corefoodmakesup80percentoftheFoodBank’sdistribution.Corefoodsarethoseitemsthatcanbethebasisofanutritious,well-roundedmeal:fruitsandvegetables,protein,dairy,grains,cannedsoupsandstews.

Neighborhood Pantry Express was developed to improve the distribution of fresh produce to areas of the state with the highest unmet need. Utilizing a farmers’ market approach,

Neighborhood Pantry Express is a mobile food pantry that distributes directly to clients referred by their local food pantry. The program allows for quick delivery, minimizing the risk that this extremely nutritious, yet highly perishable product will spoil before it is consumed. Eight communities benefit from Neighborhood Pantry Express dis-tributions including Central Falls, Newport, Pawtucket, Peace dale, Providence, Warwick, Westerly and Woonsocket. last year, these sites distributed more than 355,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables!

Neighborhood Pantry Express Reaches 8 High-Need Communities

HARd WoRkINg FAMIly HElPEd By Food PANTRyCONT INUED F ROM pAGE 1

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“I know how important it is to start the day off with a meal.” At school, the chil-dren participate in the federal school lunch program, and Norma is concerned with replacing those meals during the summer months. “I am also a frugal shopper. I cut coupons and plan our meals ahead so our food budget goes a little further,” she explained. High unemployment and a weak economy continue to have a drastic impact on thousands of families in our state. But, thanks to your support, the Food Bank and our network of agencies can answer their calls for help. on average, our member food pantries have experienced a 26 percent increase in the number of people seeking help over last year. That’s why your donation is more critical now than ever. you can help make a difference for the thousands of families like Paul and Norma’s. “Thank you for helping people you don’t know," said Norma. "Those you help may have a chance to return the favor some day. The community help-ing the community is important.”

Conference Brings Member Agencies Together to Strengthen NetworkCongressman Langevin Addresses Group about Federal Changes

Recently, the Food Bank hosted its annual Agency Conference at the Crowne Plaza at the Crossings in Warwick. More than 85 people representing 50 member agencies attended

to share helpful tips and learn about other sources of assistance for their clients. The theme of this year’s conference was resource development. The goal of the day was to present each agency with a wide variety of additional programs and services other than food

assistance. Representatives from the Rhode Island Foundation, kids First, WIC, United Way 2-1-1, the University of Rhode Island Feinstein Center for a Hunger-Free America/SNAP Program, U.S. Census Bureau, and The Point presented information about services that could help food pantry clients. Attendees also participated in roundtable discus-sions for peer-to-peer networking and the sharing of best practices. Additionally, the group was joined by Congressman langevin, a long-time supporter of the Food Bank and our network. The Congressman spoke about recent changes to the Farm Bil that will help our mem- ber agencies and their clients. The changes include increases in Food Stamp benefits and the increased availability of USdA food for anti-hunger agencies throughout the country. At the end of the conference, the Sister Carol Mcgovern award was presented. Each year, we honor an individual working on the front

lines with one of our agencies—alleviating and preventing hunger and exemplifying outstanding community service. The individual honored this year was leo Bessette of Sacred Heart Church Pantry in Pawtucket. Congratulations to leo and Sacred Heart Church Pantry!

CongressmanLangevinaddressesrepresentativesfrommorethan50FoodBankmemberagenciesatthisyear’sannualconference.

NormaselectsfoodforherfamilythroughSt.Edward'sclientchoicesystem.

In May, the Food Bank hosted Ciao Rhode Island —A Culinary Experience, a fundraiser to benefit

our Community kitchen culinary job-training program. The event featured celebrity guest Mary Ann Esposito, host and creator of PBS’ Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito, and scrumptious creations donated by the Pinelli-Marra Restaurant group. The evening was a delight for the senses, as guests explored the Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Museum, dining on unique arrangements of food spread throughout the museum. Com-munity kitchen students and graduates assisted Pinelli-Marra in the preparation and serving of the evening’s food. The students were grateful for the opportunity to be involved with an event to benefit their training program while receiving valuable work experience. Mary Ann Esposito spoke about her life expe-riences as a chef, answered questions from guests and graciously signed copies of her cookbooks. The evening also featured a raffle with exciting prizes such as a week-long stay on a houseboat in Sausalito, CA. overall, the event raised more than $64,000 for the Community kitchen program. Thanks to all who were part of this great evening!

ExecutiveChefSponsorsBank of AmericaPinelli-Marra Restaurant group

ChefdeCuisineSponsorsCollette Vacations TextrongTECH Webster Bank

SousChefSponsorsEdwards Angell Palmer dodgeHinckley, Allen & SnyderJohnson & Wales UniversityPrintSourceR&F EnterprisesRI greyhound owners Association The Washington Trust Company

CulinarianSponsorsBankRIdelta dentalEast Commerce Solutions

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CiaoRhodeIslandaCulinarySuccess!

CulinaryJob-TrainingprogramGraduates12

At the end of May, the Food Bank graduated its 36th class of Community kitchen students. Community kitchen is a full-time, 14-week culinary job-training

program which prepares unemployed and low-income adults for jobs in the food service industry. Throughout their training, students create nutritious meals for dis-tribution to children at-risk of hunger though kids Cafe, a Food Bank after-school feeding program. This class of students produced more than 20,000 meals during their training. graduation featured Terri Brown, Admissions officer for Johnson & Wales Uni-versity as the keynote speaker. Additionally, graduate Cooper Hoffman addressed the group. In his speech, he explained, “I chose to attend the Community kitchen program because the life I had needed a dramatic change. I needed direction, inspiration, skills and most of all, a new approach in which I could use all the tools of my past careers. As it turned out, the Community kitchen program has all of these requirements wrapped in a nice little bundle.” In addition to classroom time and creat-ing meals for kids Cafe, Community kitchen graduates gain work experience though internships at local restaurants and hotels such as Mill’s Tavern, Nylo Hotel and the old Canteen. Eighty percent of the pro-gram’s graduates are placed in jobs within three months of completing the program.

Above:(LtoR)SteveMarra,CelebrityGuestChefMaryAnnEsposito,BillpinelliandAndrewSchiffatCiaoRhodeIsland—ACulinaryExperience

Throughouttheevening,guestsdinedonthedeliciouscreationsofthepinelli-MarraRestaurantGroup.

LaShandaCooleyofClass36joinedfellowstudentsandalumniinpreparingandservingfoodatCiaoRhodeIsland.

United Health CareWinkler group ltd.

Food Bank Releases New Strategic Plan

The Food Bank must adjust to a rapidly changing environment and stay true to its mission: Ensur-

ing that no one in Rhode Island goes hungry. over the past year, we have carefully considered how to focus our efforts to ensure that quality food reaches those most in need at a time when surplus food donations are declining. The Board of directors recently approved a new strategic plan, which gives us an exciting and useful map for the Food Bank through 2012. The goals and objectives presented in the plan are the product of a careful assessment and re-evaluation of our work. We are already hard at work toward many of our new goals. We look forward to sharing our progress with you along the way. To download a copy of our new Strategic Plan, visit www.rifoodbank.org/strategicplan.

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During a recent meeting, the Food Bank’s Women Ending Hunger group

welcomed dr. deborah Frank, director of the grow Clinic for Children at Boston Medical Center and the Founder and Prin-cipal Investigator for Children’s HealthWatch. dr. Frank’s presentation focused on the affects of hunger on the health and development of young children. Research from Children’s HealthWatch and others has shown that children from food insecure households are at greater risk for health problems, developmental delay and impaired school performance than children in food-secure households. These findings argue for child nutrition programs that reach the broadest spectrum of children whose families may be strug-gling, even marginally, to put enough nutritious food on the table. “Nutritious food is good medicine,” said dr. Frank during her presentation. “In low-income neighborhoods, there is a lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables. There-fore, families are eating unhealthy food to feel ‘full’ instead of being properly nourished. Unfortunately, if these children do not receive adequate nutrition, many windows of opportunity for their optimal growth and development will be permanently closed.”

Women Ending Hunger Takes on Childhood Hunger & Nutrition

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This year, there are possibilities to increase the benefits of invaluable programs like WIC, school breakfast and school lunch. The obama administration is supporting improvements to nutrition assistance programs, beginning with the Fy2010 budget. In the past, programs such as WIC lacked complete funding, school meal reimbursement was at a low level making it difficult to provide nutritious meals and nutrition standards for feeding programs were lacking. To learn more, and to help improve children’s health, please visit the

advocacy section of our website—www.rifoodbank.org/advocate—and lend your support to improving these programs that touch millions of fami-lies and children each day.

Dr.DeborahFrank,DirectoroftheGrowClinicforChildrenatBostonMedicalCenterandtheFounderandprincipalInvestigatorforChildren’sHealthWatchspeakstotheFoodBank’sWomenEndingHungergroup.

Forevery100RhodeIslandstudentsthatreceivefreeorreduced-pricelunches,only40participateintheSchoolBreakfastprogram.

Women Ending Hunger brings together women from across the state, from non-profit organizations to small businesses and large corporations, and engages them around the issue of hunger.

To learn more or attend upcom-ing meetings, please contact liza gentile by calling (401) 942-6325 or lgentile@rifoodbank.org.

Boosting Food Stamp Participation to End HungerRhode Island 1 of 6 States Awarded Grant to Expand Outreach Efforts

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The Rhode Island Community Food Bank has been awarded a national grant

through Feeding America—the Nation’s Food Bank Network to hire two full-time Food Stamp (recently renamed the Sup-plemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) outreach Coordinators. Rhode Island is one of only six states to receive such funds. In an effort to reach more eligible fami-lies in need, the coordinators will provide direct assistance at member agencies in Newport and Woonsocket each week, two of the highest-need communities in the state. Their focus will be on expanding SNAP participation by screening clients to de-termine eligibility, providing application assistance and following up on completed applications. In addition, information regard-ing other federal nutrition assistance pro-grams such as WIC and School Breakfast and lunch will be distributed to those eligible. The outreach efforts are the result of a partnership between the Food Bank, The Food Stamp outreach Project at URI’s Feinstein Center for a Hunger-Free America, and non-profit agencies including the Newport Partnership for Families, East Bay CAP, and in Woonsocket, Family Resources Community Action and Connecting for Children and Families.

As a Food Bank supporter, you care deeply about the plight of families

struggling each month to put healthy food on the table. By including the Food Bank in your estate plan, you have the opportunity to assist hungry families for years to come. you don’t need to be wealthy to make a gift that will have an impact on future generations. A charitable bequest in your

IfRhodeIslandcanenroll80percentofthoseeligible,itwouldmeananadditional$35millionforourstateinfederaldollars.

ALegacyofCompassionandSustenance

will or living trust will serve as powerful testimony to your conviction that no one in Rhode Island should struggle to provide food for themselves or their families. Here are some common bequest options you can use:• Outright: An outright bequest allows

a specific dollar amount or piece of property (bonds, real estate, stocks)

to be left to the Food Bank.

• percentage: designate a specific percentage, anywhere from 1–100% of your estate, to the Food Bank.

• Residual: you may choose to leave the remainder of your estate to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank once all outright bequests have been made.

For more information, contact lisa Roth Blackman at (401) 942-6325 x252, or via email at lrblackman@rifoodbank.org.

Rhode Island’s par-ticipation rate among those eligible for SNAP benefits ranks near the bottom of the country. due to this low enroll-ment, and the fact that nearly 11 percent of all Rhode Island house-holds are at risk of hunger, Rhode Island was selected to receive funds. The other states awarded grants are California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Car-olina and Wisconsin. “Food stamps are like a vaccine that can prevent hunger,” states Andrew Schiff, Chief Ex-ecutive officer of the Food Bank. “If we had a vaccine that could improve nutrition and health, particularly among children and senior adults, we would make sure that everyone had access to it.” Participation in federal nutrition pro-grams such as SNAP is not only good for families in need, it is good for Rhode

Island. If Rhode Island can enroll 80 per-cent of those eligible, it would mean an additional $35 million for Rhode Island from Washington, and, more importantly, less hunger for thousands of our neigh-bors in need.

H o W y o U C A N H E l P

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A community venture dubbed growUp (gardening Resources of Woonsocket Utilizing People) is the newest member of the Rhode Island Community

Farm family thanks to the hard work and dedication of Family Resources, a member agency of the Food Bank. Utilizing a parcel of land donated by the local yMCA and a grant to create 15 temporary jobs for youth to work in the community garden, the project's goal is to provide free, fresh produce to struggling families while also expos-ing the community’s youth to careers in the agricultural and horticultural fields. To help get started, growUp has collaborated with Cumberland’s Franklin Farm for guidance and best practices. Additionally this summer, the Food Bank has grown its relationship with the Rhode Island Farm Bureau. This partnership will further connect the Food Bank and the local farming community with the goal of increasing the amount of locally grown produce donated for distribution to families in need. Thanks to Ira and Suzanne Magaziner, who have generously set aside addi-tional land, the Magaziner Farm in Bristol has expanded in size and is now the largest Community Farm of the group. With the added land, the farm has set a goal of growing 16,000 pounds this summer! The Community Farm program is a group of local farms dedicated to grow-ing fresh, nutritious vegetables for families in need while preserving open space. last year, these farms grew more than 130,000 pounds of fresh produce for people in need—the most successful growing season to date. We hope that 2009 will be even more successful thanks to the additional land. For more information about the Rhode Island Community Farms, or to volunteer, please visit www.rifoodbank.org/farm.

RhodeIslandCommunityFarmLocations

BRISTOL

MagazinerFarm192 Poppasquash Road

Mt.HopeFarm250 Metacom Avenue

RI Community Farm Expands

EmergencyFoodprovidersServingmorethan1MillionMealseachMonth!

TheOceanState’shighunemploymentandstrugglingeconomyhasforcedmoreandmoreRhodeIslanderstoseekhelpthroughtheFoodBank’snetworkofemergencyfoodprograms.

BeginninginOctober2008,ournetworkbeganprovidingmorethan1millionmealspermonth,aFoodBankrecord. StudentsfromNorthCumberlandMiddleSchoolhelpplant

morethan1,500vegetableseedlingstokick-offthisyear’sgrowingseasonatFranklinFarm.

CUMBERLAND

St.JohnvianneyChurch3655 diamond Hill Road

FranklinFarm142 Abbott Run Valley Road

SMITHFIELD

St.philip’sChurch622 Putnam Pike

WOONSOCKET

G.R.O.W.U.p.Farm55 Main Street

S A V E T H E d A T E

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“Grill to Give” Benefits Food BankEveryThursdaythroughAugust27th,4:00–6:00p.m.EastsideMarketplace,165pitmanStreet,providence

Join the chefs of Eastside Marketplace each Thursday evening through August 27th from 4:00–6:00 p.m. as they cook for a cause. For $3 per person, you will be able to enjoy great food and help your neighbors in need. The event will be held under a tent. Just look for the grills!

Ice Cream Social at Whole Foods MarketTuesday,July28th, 6:00–8:00p.m.WholeFoodsMarketUniversityHeights,601NorthMainStreet,providence

Whole Foods Market University Heights is hosting an Ice Cream Social to benefit the Food Bank. In celebration of National Ice Cream Month, make your own sundae for just $5.00. For more information, please contact Whole Foods at (401) 621-5990.

Bill Harley & Friends ConcertsSaturday,December12th,11:00a.m.and2:00p.m.TheLincolnSchool,providence

Join two-time grammy winning artist Bill Harley and friends for a delightful concert of songs and stories to benefit the Food Bank. Newthisyear,therewillbetwoshows—11:00a.m.and2:00p.m.Tickets to the perfor-mance will be $12. For more infor-mation or tickets, call the Food Bank at (401) 942-6325 or visit www.rifoodbank.org as the event draws near.

The Flower Show Preview PartyWednesday,February17th,2010,6:00–9:00p.m.RIConventionCenter

Taste delicious creations from top restaurants and be the first to see the gardens of the Flower Show. Tickets are $75.00 each.

TheFoodBank’slargestRhodeIslandproductdonor,OceanStateJobLotistheleadsponsorofthisyear’sSummerFoodDrive.

DonationsmaybebroughttotheFoodBank:200NianticAvenue,providenceMon.–Fri.:8:00a.m.–5:00p.m.

MostNeededItems:Tuna, Peanut Butter, Canned BeansCanned Soups, Stews and ChiliNutritious Breakfast CerealsWhole Wheat Pasta and Brown RiceCanned Fruits and Vegetables, Juices and Tomato Sauce

Poster Design DonateD by: anna Horowitz/risD • Printing DonateD by: UniteD Printing

Summer Food drive Now UnderwaySpend the Season Sharing Sustenance

Summer is here, a season marked by vacations and barbeques. But, for many local families, it is a time of year distinguished by hunger. The federal

school breakfast and lunch programs that provide many low-income children with two meals each day are on vacation along with the students—placing additional strain on the already limited food budgets of families struggling to get by. This is where the Food Bank and our legion of supporters come in. The Food Bank’s Summer Food drive, sponsored by ocean State Job lot, is underway and there’s plenty of time left to get involved. Now through August 28th, you can participate by dropping off a food donation or by organizing a food drive in your workplace or neighborhood. The Food Bank can provide posters and collection boxes to help you get started. (See poster design below). you can also participate by making a financial contribution through our secure website by visiting the Summer Food drive page. For every dollar donated, we can distribute enough food to provide 3 nutritious meals. All funds collected with help us distribute quality food to people in need. Make a donation or start your drive today. For more information about starting a drive, please contact Farris Maxwell at (401) 942-6325 or fmaxwell@rifoodbank.org.