PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Foundation is issuing $1 million in emergency grants that will be distributed among dozens of local food pantries and meal sites.

As millions of Americans have started the month without their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, local food assistance programs have seen a marked increase in need.

In Rhode Island, SNAP helps feed roughly 140,000 people, including children, every month.

Rhode Island Foundation President David Cicilline joined 12 News at 4 on Thursday to share more about the foundation's efforts.

"This is a real crisis," Cicilline said. "We also have the responsibility to respond to the moment, to things that happen and the emergencies that occur, and this is one of those instances."

The foundation said the

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