Our Story: Fighting Food Insecurity Together

Our history

In 2009, one person in Rhode Island’s East Bay saw both a problem and a possibility – restaurants and stores with excess food, and neighbors struggling to put meals on their tables. From this seed of an idea, We Share Hope was born.

What began as a two-person operation, collecting and distributing surplus food from local businesses, has blossomed into Feed RI – a dynamic force for change across the Ocean State. Our mission remains constant: to rescue surplus food from industry partners to relieve hunger and revive communities. But our vision has expanded far beyond our East Bay roots.

Today, with over 100 dedicated volunteers, an active board, and committed staff, Feed RI has crossed bridges – both literal and figurative – to serve communities throughout Rhode Island. We’ve grown from wondering how to provide today’s lunch to asking bigger questions about tomorrow’s possibilities.

Because we’ve learned something vital along the way: food security isn’t just about one meal. It’s about creating sustainable change that ripples through generations. When Rhode Islanders have reliable access to nutritious food, they can focus on education, employment, and enriching their communities. We’re not just feeding Rhode Island today; we’re nourishing its future.