The Lawson Charitable Foundation was created in 2021 by Cathy and Tom Lawson. The mission of the Foundation is to help those that are working hard to help themselves and others.
A Visit That Changed Everything
Cathy Lawson, Philanthropist and Melissa Cherney, CEO Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Eye-opening.
That’s the most fitting way to describe Cathy Lawson’s tour of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s warehouse on October 6, 2025. Cathy was invited to meet the Food Bank’s new CEO, Melissa Cherney, and tour the expansive facility that serves as the central distribution hub for food assistance across the state.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food through a network of more than 130 partner agencies across the Ocean State. Last year alone, the organization distributed 18.6 million pounds of food, including 4.3 million pounds of fresh produce to families and individuals experiencing hunger.
As the tour moved through the massive warehouse—a finely coordinated operation—Cathy noticed something unexpected. In the far corner, row after row of empty shelves stood where food should have been stored.
She learned that economic pressures, rising food costs, and increased demand have strained the Food Bank’s ability to keep up. For Cathy, those empty shelves represented something much deeper. Empty shelves meant empty dinner tables—especially for children in Rhode Island.
That image stayed with her long after the visit ended.
If You Can Help, You Should Help
Jyothi Subramaniam, RICFB Board President, Cathy Lawson, Melissa Cherney, Nicole Anderson Executive Director, Lawson Charitable Foundation, and Philanthropic Advisor to the Lawson Family.
Responding Quickly to an Urgent Need
Cathy and Tom have long believed that no person should go hungry, a belief that has guided them to be loyal supporters of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank since 2016. That belief made the empty shelves they witnessed even more difficult to walk away from.
For years, the Lawsons have lived by a simple principle: if you can help, you should help. After reflecting on what Cathy had seen during the visit, she shared her concern with Tom—and together they decided to take meaningful action.
On November 21, Cathy returned to the Food Bank to share news that she and Tom would be making a personal gift of $3 million—the single largest personal gift the Lawsons have ever made—to help replenish food supplies and support the Food Bank in their efforts to reduce food insecurity across Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a lifeline for thousands of Rhode Islanders each month, ensuring reliable access to nutritious food—including fresh fruits and vegetables—for seniors, children, families, and individuals facing economic hardship.
The Lawsons have always kept a close pulse on the needs of their community, offering support quietly and thoughtfully for many years. Their extraordinary gift to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank is a powerful continuation of that commitment—and a reminder that compassion paired with action can truly help ensure that no child goes hungry.
“We hope this gift inspires others to stand with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The need is greater than ever, and together we can help ensure that no Rhode Islander goes hungry.” — Cathy Lawson
To learn how you can help support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank this holiday season, please visit their website.
Note: This contribution reflects a personal gift from Cathy and Tom Lawson and is separate from Lawson Charitable Foundation grantmaking.
