Sitting outside the Elks Lodge in East Providence, Rhode Island, State Elks Chair Matt Vianna proudly pointed to car trunks overflowing with food. “It’s like a mini Walmart!” he joked.
All this food was gathered for a worthy cause: the Providence VA hospital food pantry, which supports homeless veterans and those in need. Recently, Vianna became concerned when he heard SNAP benefits would be affected, putting even more strain on food resources. “The VA pantry wasn’t getting stocked,” he explained. With around 1,500 homeless veterans in Rhode Island, the urgency became clear.
Vianna recalled visiting the pantry during the first food drop-off when the shelves held only bread. “The numbers keep climbing,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking how easy it is to become homeless today.”
In just one week, a social media post rallied all ten Elks lodges in the state, collecting nearly 2,000 pounds of food. This collective effort shows the power of community spirit. “The Benevolent Protective Order of Elks has stood by veterans for 158 years,” Vianna stated.
The support doesn’t go unnoticed. Leo Blanchette, a Special Deputy of Rhode Island, highlighted Vianna’s dedication. “Matt really goes above and beyond for veterans and the Elks,” he said.
Vianna’s message is clear: “We need to come together. It takes a village to care for one another.” This Veterans Day and beyond, his team ensures that Rhode Island veterans will receive the help they need, whether it’s food, coats, or blankets. As he put it, “You never leave a brother behind.”
If you’re interested in donating non-perishable food items, you can drop them off at any Elks lodge in Rhode Island. For more details, visit the Elks website.
Expert Insight: Recent studies show that over 37 million Americans struggled with hunger in 2020, a number that has likely increased due to recent economic challenges. Supporting local food pantries, especially those focused on veterans, is crucial during these tough times.
