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Since its founding in 1982, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank has evolved dramatically to meet the growing needs of Rhode Islanders facing food insecurity. What began as a food rescue operation now distributes millions of pounds of food annually through a network of member agencies, with approximately one-third of that food purchased directly by the organization.

"A lot has changed since we started," reflects Lisa Roth Blackman, Chief Philanthropy Officer.  "We were initially focused on rescuing food from grocery stores and manufacturers and receiving donations from individuals. However, the need has become so great – and has changed significantly. To keep up, we also purchase food by the truckload from distributors. We rely on generous donors to help fund this, allowing us to bring in nutritious, culturally relevant foods to respond most effectively to those in the community that need us."

As the organization has matured, so has its approach to sustainable funding. The Food Bank has partnered with the Rhode Island Foundation to establish an endowment fund, creating new opportunities for donors to make a lasting impact through legacy giving.

"We have very committed donors who give annually to help alleviate hunger, and some were looking for a more permanent way to address food insecurity in the community,” Lisa explains. “This endowment fund creates a pathway for donors to make larger gifts in perpetuity now or through their estate plans, while fitting into our larger goal of meeting donors where they are."

The decision to work with the Foundation was natural for the organization. “The Foundation has been a terrific partner of ours for many years, supporting us through grants for food distribution and strategic planning," says Lisa. “Their strong track record of investment management and financial accountability gave our board members confidence and provides welcome support to our finance team."

This endowment fund adds another meaningful way for supporters to fulfill the Food Bank's mission to advance solutions to the problem of hunger in Rhode Island, in partnership with the community. “As food insecurity in the community grows, Rhode Islanders have responded generously to support our work," Lisa notes. "Whether giving annual support or to the endowment, donors make it possible to provide the food people need today, and the food they will need tomorrow."