PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A Providence food pantry that saw its shelves go bare took to social media asking the community for help — and it worked.
Better Lives Rhode Island posted pictures of its empty shelves on Feb. 6 saying, “We have no food to serve the people of Rhode Island.”
East Providence-based company Feast & Fettle saw the post and decided to step up.
After discussing the best course of action with Better Lives Rhode Island, Feast & Fettle gave the nonprofit a $15,000 check and delivered roughly 300 pounds of nonperishable food to 12 Abbott Park Place, where the pantry is located.
“Our hope is that this donation significantly helps the community ensuring all residents in the area have access to nutritious food,” a spokesperson for the company said.
Better Lives Rhode Island said the donation has already had a positive impact on the pantry and the people it serves.
“We are extremely grateful for [Feast & Fettle’s] partnership and their belief in our mission, which is to provide hope for a better tomorrow while helping the homeless and hungry survive today,” Better Lives Executive Director Paula Hudson told 12 News.
According to the Rhode Island Food Bank’s 2024 Hunger Status Report, two out of five households are food insecure, a higher rate than any time during the pandemic.
The report cites increases in the costs of rent, transportation, child care and health care as factors in the rising levels of food insecurity.