PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Foundation is pledging $1 million in emergency grants to go toward filling the void soon to be left by the November 1 SNAP benefits cut off.
In a statement, the Rhode Island Foundation said that it would send $200,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to help the organization stock shelves in its 100-plus food pantries and meal sites.
$800,000 is earmarked to go directly to nonprofits through the foundation’s Community Partner Resilience Fund.
The cut off of benefits is set to occur exactly one month into the federal government shutdown.
“Make no mistake about it. This is a crisis. Hunger is always looming for many of our neighbors, but this is unprecedented,” said Rhode Island Foundation president and CEO David Cicilline.
“The safety net that so many Rhode Islanders depend on to feed their families is on the verge of disappearing. State government and the philanthropic sector are working to respond to this moment..”
The foundation is asking donors to help match their contribution by going to this link to donate.
