The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is the central distribution hub for the state's emergency food system, supplying a network of 137 member agencies including pantries, meal sites, senior programs, and school programs. In 2024 the food bank and its network averaged 84,400 individuals served each month, a record level of need in the nation's smallest state. Melissa Cherney, who previously led Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota for several years, became CEO in 2025, succeeding Andrew Schiff, who retired after 17 years. It is a Feeding America member.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank sources food at scale and distributes it statewide through 137 member agencies, plus its own programs. As the central hub for a small, dense state, it can reach essentially every community quickly. Leaders have warned that the level of need now exceeds what fundraising alone can cover, a sign of how sharply demand has risen since the pandemic.
Melissa Cherney became CEO in 2025. She had led Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota since 2019, first as president and then as CEO, building experience in food sourcing, advocacy, and policy. She succeeded Andrew Schiff, who retired after 17 years leading the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
The food bank serves all of Rhode Island, the smallest and one of the most densely populated states. Need is concentrated in Providence and the older industrial cities, where high housing costs and a large share of residents who do not qualify for federal benefits drive food insecurity. The 137-agency network reaches across the entire state.
Yes. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a registered 501(c)(3) and a Feeding America member. Donors can review its financials through Charity Navigator and GuideStar. Bulk buying and donated food mean a gift produces many meals.
Donations and volunteer shifts run through rifoodbank.org. Volunteers sort and pack food and help at distributions, and cash gifts go furthest because of the food bank’s purchasing power.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is the single statewide food bank, the hub behind the state’s entire pantry network. It works alongside the Salvation Army and other groups on the broader safety net. For anyone in Rhode Island, it is the lead food bank to support.
137 agencies statewide receive food.
School and weekend food support for kids at risk of hunger.
Food assistance for older adults on fixed incomes.
A focus on healthy food and cooking education.
Sources: Rhode Island Community Food Bank website (rifoodbank.org), and Providence Business News and Ocean State Stories reporting on the appointment of Melissa Cherney. We are not affiliated with Rhode Island Community Food Bank and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
More Rhode Island and food-bank resources