East Providence Public Library Receives $12k LORI Grant

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — The East Providence Public Library has received a $12,210 Library of Rhode Island (LORI) grant award for its Kitchen Inspiration Program Charlie Cart Project, a program that educates children about affordable and healthy food choices and provides cooking and nutrition lessons.

The program is made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), which is supported through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This year, OLIS gave 15 libraries a total of $431,000 in funding.

“We are thrilled to learn that East Providence Public Library is a recipient of this grant award and we are grateful to the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and the LORI grant program for providing the support needed to expand Fuller’s food access and nutrition education programs,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva in a statement.

The Kitchen Inspiration Program is an expansion of Fuller Creative Learning Center’s culinary programs for children. The Charlie Cart Project features small appliances and kitchen equipment to engage children and offer a hands-on learning experience.

“Hands-on cooking lessons offer opportunities to educate on a range of topics, from health and nutrition to life and academic skills,” East Providence Library Director Joyce May said in a statement. “Most importantly, cooking and eating bring people together through a shared activity and cooking is fun!”

A Kitchen Inspirations Kickoff event is scheduled to take place Wednesday, June 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fuller Creative Learning Center For more information, contact Ryan McCauley at rmccauley@eastprovidenceri.gov or call 401-228-3903.