Rhode Island Food Bank is serving 89,000 households monthly, a record high in its 43-year history

Inflation, the end of pandemic-era benefits and federal cuts are contributing to food insecurity in Rhode Island.

About 144,000 Rhode Islanders are excepted to lose some SNAP benefits due to Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

PROVIDENCE – It is 10 a.m. on a Wednesday, and there is a line outside the West End Community Center ’s pantry.

“Is 38 here?” calls Olivia Martinez, the center’s program director.

No one raises their hand, so Martinez moves on to other numbers: 39, 40, 41.

Felicia Vicioso sits on a bench as she waits her turn in line – number 42. She says she has been coming to the center’s pantry for a long time and appreciates its work.

“It’s a good system,” Vicioso says. “Be

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