Grant aims to keep East Providence food pantries and meal sites stocked as holidays near

Goal is to keep the Food Bank's warehouse stocked for local member agencies like the East Bay CAP Food Pantry and the Good Neighbors Meal Site

East Providence, RI – In an effort to keep local food pantries stocked as the holidays near, the Rhode Island Foundation is matching every donation the public makes to Trinity Rep during the 2024  run of  “A Christmas Carol” with an equal grant to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, up to a total of $70,000. 

The goal is to keep the Food Bank warehouse stocked with groceries for local member agencies like the East Bay CAP Food Pantry on Bullocks Point Avenue, the Good Neighbors Meal Site and Food Pantry on Turner Avenue and the Good Neighbors Food Pantry at the Newman Congregational Church on Newman Avenue.

“Nothing could be more appropriate at this time of the year than to kindle the giving spirit that glows in this timeless story and in the hearts of Rhode Islanders. Inspiring neighbors to help neighbors in need is the true heart of our philanthropic work,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.

The public can trigger matching grants to the Food Bank by contributing to Trinity Rep online at trinityrep.com/match or by texting SCROOGE to 44-321. Through this philanthropic challenge, their donations will not only benefit Trinity Rep’s artistic, educational and community programs, but also food insecure Rhode Islanders who turn to the Food Bank’s network of neighborhood food pantries and meal sites for help.

"Our partnership with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is one of the traditions that make the holiday season so special for Trinity Rep,” said Artistic Director Curt Columbus. “This year, with the wonderful support of the Rhode Island Foundation, our production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ brings even more joy, knowing that Scrooge’s story of transformation will inspire kindness and generosity throughout our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joins us in caring for our neighbors in need."

The matching grant challenge comes at a time when a growing number of Rhode Islanders are facing food insecurity due to the high cost of food, housing, utilities and transportation. In the last twelve months, the Food Bank’s network of 147 member agencies has served nearly 83,000 people every month, more than ever before.

“We are so grateful for this partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation and Trinity Rep,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “It’s exciting to see these nonprofits come together in the spirit of ‘A Christmas Carol’ when so many in our community are experiencing food insecurity.”

Due to planned renovations of Trinity Rep’s facility, "A Christmas Carol" will move from Trinity Rep's 500-seat Chace Theater to the Providence Performing Arts Center. The play will run Nov. 23 to Dec. 4, followed by a brief hiatus to make room for the national tour of "Hamilton." "A Christmas Carol" will return to PPAC from Dec. 26 to Dec. 29. Information is available at www.trinityrep.com/carol. 

About the Rhode Island Community Food Bank
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to 82,000 struggling Rhode Islanders each month through a statewide network of 147 member agencies, including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs and senior centers. Last year, the Food Bank distributed over 18 million pounds of food, of which approximately 4.2 million pounds was fresh produce. The Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. To learn more, visit www.rifoodbank.org. 

About Trinity Rep
Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning theater, Trinity Rep has created unparalleled professional theater for and with its community since its founding in 1963. Trinity Rep strives to facilitate human connection and has been a driving force behind the creativity that fuels and defines the region for more than 60 years.

Trinity Rep is committed to reinventing the public square and inspiring dialogue by creating emotionally stimulating live productions that range from classical to contemporary and innovative education programs for all ages and abilities. Its annual production of “A Christmas Carol” has brought families together for more than four decades and made memories for nearly two million audience members. For more information, visit www.trinityrep.com. 

About the Rhode Island Foundation
The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. Through civic leadership, fundraising and grantmaking activities, often in partnership with individuals and organizations, the Foundation is helping improve the lives of all Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit www.rifoundation.org.