The Public’s Radio

Over a Third of Rhode Islanders are Facing Food Insecurity, According to a New Survey

The report also shows that food insecurity in the state is at a five-year high. People of color are among the most affected demographics

November 26, 2024

“The cost of everything is so high right now, it's all adding up for people: basic necessities, the cost of rent, the cost of utilities, of food in the store, child care,” said Kate MacDonald, a spokesperson for Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the organization which released the data. — “The cost of everything is so high right now, it’s all adding up for people: basic necessities, the cost of rent, the cost of utilities, of food in the store, child care,” said Kate MacDonald, a spokesperson for Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the organization which released the data.

A report from the Brown University School of Public Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield Rhode Island shows that 38% of Rhode Island households– a five-year high – are experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity is more prevalent for families of color than white families, with 55% of Rhode Island Latino households and 47% of Black households experiencing food insecurity, compared with 33% of white households, according to the new report.

It’s a 111% increase from the year 2021, when 18% of households in Rhode Island were experiencing food insecurity. The authors of the report consider people to be food insecure if at least some of the time they say they worry about or lack funds to buy food.

This story was reported by The Public’s Radio. You can read the entire story here.

Olivia Ebertz Olivia Ebertz comes to The Public’s Radio from WNYC, where she was a producer for Morning Edition. Prior to that, she spent two years reporting for KYUK in Bethel, Alaska, where she wrote a lot about how the warming climate is forcing local Indigenous communities to change their traditional lifeways.

Prior to her career as a journalist, Olivia worked in film. Her documentaries have screened at festivals worldwide.

Olivia likes to pursue stories inspired by questions from community members.
Ella habla español, lei parla italiano, и она говорит по-русски.

Health

Newport Hospital says it needs an additional $4.9M a year to keep birthing center open

The hospital’s operator says it plans to keep the Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center open, but that it needs to raise more funds to ensure its viability

April 3, 2026

·

Jeremy Bernfeld

Education

Have docket, will travel: RI Supreme Court hears oral arguments at North Smithfield High School

Revived ‘Riding the Circuit’ program brings real-world clarity on law, life to students

April 3, 2026

·

Library Spotlight

Garden expo to cat café: Tiverton Library’s April events lineup

From tips for your gardening and a documentary about book bans to the Greenes of Rhode Island and a book club that meets at a local cat café, here’s what’s happening at the Tiverton Public Library this month

April 3, 2026

·

Weekend 401

‘Clyde’s’ at Burbage Theatre: redemption, second chances and sandwiches | Weekend 401

Plus: the African American Museum of Rhode Island opens this weekend and Andrew Bird plays with the RI Philharmonic

April 2, 2026

·

Elections

Ken Block’s third run for Rhode Island governor centers on one word: competence

Barrington businessman points to bridge failures and payroll woes as proof Rhode Island needs a reset, entering the race as an independent

April 2, 2026

·

Economy

‘Do it again, but the right way.’ Judge tosses CRMC decision letting Matunuck restaurateur expand

Says coastal regulators violated their own rules when they approved scaled-down scallop farm

April 2, 2026

·