South County's Johnnycake Centers Awarded $15k Grants

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A South County organization was awarded $15,000 to provide food to Rhode Islanders in need. The funding was part of $180,000 in grants given to seven organizations around the state by the Rhode Island Foundation.

Each year, South Kingstown's Johnnycake Center for Hope spends around $110,000 on food for South County residents in need, alongside food it receives from the R.I. Community Food Bank. Amid the rising cost of food, the grant will help the organization continue its mission.

"Our food pantry has become a vital source of food for hundreds of local households every month," the center's Executive Director, Kate Brewester, said. "Grants like this allow us to meet the demand and ensure that the food we distribute is healthy. As the cost of housing continues to climb in South County, and federal food programs remain under threat of cuts, close to 2,000 local residents know they can count on us for food."

The Johnnycake Center of Westerly, meanwhile, was also awarded $15,000 to provide 125,000 meals to those in need throughout Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton. The organization serves 3,000 residents each year.

"Throughout the past year, we have seen a rising need from the community for food and emergency assistance. Thanks to this generous contribution, we will be in a good position to start the new year well-equipped to continue serving local neighbors in need," said Lee Eastbourne, executive director. "We’ll use the funding to prepare food baskets containing milk, eggs, meat, bread, fresh produce and a variety of non-perishable groceries. Our ‘Power Pack’ meals provide nutritious, delicious meals for children on weekends and holidays as well as holiday meal baskets packed with turkey and all the trimmings for a traditional Christmas dinner for income-eligible clients."