RISE for Change: RISD Students Innovate Local Food Bank Solutions in Exciting Design Competition

This September, students from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) took part in an exciting competition. They were challenged to redesign the Marketplace, a food bank in Woonsocket facing space constraints. The food bank plans to use these fresh designs for future renovations.

The Marketplace, run by Connecting for Children and Families (CCF) and supported by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, serves over 250 families each week. However, the food bank struggles with limited space for both food storage and confidential family meetings. Erin Spaulding, the Executive Director of CCF, emphasized the importance of creating “a warm, welcoming space” for families.

Designed as part of RISD’s Interior Architecture Department’s Charette, this year’s project aimed to boost student involvement in community service. Elizabeth Debs, an interior architecture critic at RISD, noted, “Design work can really support another organization’s impact.” This highlights how designers can contribute meaningfully in areas beyond traditional settings.

Jen Tomassini, COO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, pointed out that the food bank is more than just a place to distribute food. It focuses on community dignity. “We understand at a very basic level that it’s one community,” she said.

The winning design emphasized maximizing space and functionality. Gerald Sastra, one of the winners, shared that their team included ideas like community kitchens. The design process was intense. Keren Dial, a student on the winning team, described the four-day challenge: “We had a big ideation phase where we bounced ideas off each other, and then we committed to what felt right.”

This collaborative spirit made the process rich. Dial reflected on the diversity in team perspectives, saying, “There’s this lovely hodgepodge of people.”

As for next steps, the Marketplace is set to raise funds for its renovation and finalize design plans by January 2026. Spaulding noted that the final design would blend various team ideas. Dial expressed joy at seeing community organizers’ positive reactions. “It was rewarding to see the potential impact of something we created in just four days.”

The redesign of the Marketplace is a testament to how innovative thinking and community focus can create spaces that enhance the lives of those who rely on them. This project demonstrates the power of design in fostering community support, dignity, and connection.

For more insights on community organizations, check out the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s website.

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