PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Melissa Cherney, the new chief executive officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, has begun a series of visits to food pantries across the state.

Cherney was announced as the new CEO back in May, following the retirement of longtime CEO Andrew Schiff.

Cherney's tenure began in August after she moved to Rhode Island from North Dakota.

Throughout this week, she will be meeting with nonprofit leaders and food pantry teams from Warwick to Woonsocket. She said the purpose of the tour is to discuss the record high food insecurity and strategies for fighting hunger.

When asked why Cherney wanted to start her tenure this way, she told 12 News that, "There is nothing better than getting out on the ground, seeing the people that are on the frontlines every singl

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