Bristol food pantry stocks up for kids

The East Bay Food Pantry has received $30,000 to meet the increased demand for food - especially for children out of school. The organization expects to serve approximately 1,300 households with staples such as milk, eggs, fresh produce and other healthy foods. It's one of several East Bay organizations getting grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation and United Way of Rhode Island.

"During the first two months of this crisis, we have distributed over 40 percent more food than usual, and we expect this increased demand to continue. At the same time, we are coping with a loss of income from our Thrift Shop, which usually provides around 40 percent of our funding. This grant is providing the critical support that allows us to continue our food programs for all those who need them," said Karen Griffith, executive director.

Statewide, the COVID-19 Response Fund awarded $1.4 million to 51 nonprofits. The grants ranged from $10,000 to $75,000.

“We are grateful for all who have supported the fund as the need for assistance has been surging all over Rhode Island. As Rhode Island’s community foundation, we are trying to build this fund to support those in need. The combination of the health impact and economic impact has brought us to the point now where it will take more resources to continue to provide help to people across the state,” said Neil D. Steinberg, president and CEO of the Foundation.

In addition to the East Bay Food Pantry, recipients include Farm Fresh Rhode Island, The Salvation Army and Project Undercover, which will use its grant to distribute free diapers to East Bay families through nonprofits, including the East Bay Community Action Program and We Share Hope in Warren.

“When we first launched this fund in March, we asked the nonprofit community what they needed most, and they answered: cash assistance, medical equipment and food. Eight weeks later, we are receiving even more urgent requests,” said United Way of Rhode Island President and CEO Cortney Nicolato. “While we are seeing some positive signs in Rhode Island, and we appreciate every single donor who has stepped up to date, we have a long way to go to recovery. Continued support of the COVID-19 Response Fund is as critical today as ever.”

Donors have already contributed $8.3 million to the COVID-19 Response Fund. New gifts can be made with the Foundation at rifoundation.org/covid19response or to United Way at uwri.org/covid-19-resource-center/. Donations will be accepted as long as the need continues.