Elisha Project And City Of Pawtucket Join Forces To Fight Hunger

PAWTUCKET, RI – The city has officially joined forces with a local non-profit to address hunger and food insecurity among its residents.

The Elisha Project has been designated as the official Food Rescue/Food Insecurity partner of the City of Pawtucket, Mayor Donald Grebien announced today.

“The city is always looking for ways to partner with our local organizations to best serve our residents,” Grebien stated. “The Elisha Project provided approximately 5 million pounds of food in 2020 for those with the most need in our state and looks likely to surpass that total this year.”

Grebien thanked Elisha Project founder and CEO George L. Ortiz Jr. and said he looks forward to a continued collaboration. The designation will support the Elisha Project as it works to bring more resources into the community. Meanwhile, the city will continue to work with all food and service providers in the community, Grebien said.

Elisha Project CEO George L. Ortiz, Jr. said that the city worked tirelessly with his non-profit during the pandemic to execute a plan to combat food insecurity and food waste in Pawtucket. The project coordinated home delivery of food supplies to thousands of households, provided free food at COVID-19 vaccination events, and more.

“The word community is comprised of two words which truly depict the city of Pawtucket and its citizens ---Common-Unity,” stated Ortiz. “We are humbled by this opportunity and look forward to this partnership.”

The Elisha Project, based in East Providence, maintains an operations center in Pawtucket. The non-profit is dedicated to combating food insecurity locally and throughout Rhode Island. The organization seeks to bring diverse communities together through service, sharing, teaching and learning to make a positive impact.

According to census data, 15.6 percent of Pawtucket residents in 2019 lived below the poverty line, significantly higher than the statewide poverty rate of 10.8 percent. Poverty rates in Providence County are the highest in Rhode Island.

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