Feeding Families From the Inside began during the holiday season, when Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s can be especially difficult for people in prison and for their families on the outside. Instead of turning inward, Robert J. Ruark chose to bring people together in a meaningful way.
While incarcerated at London Correctional Institution, Robert organized a food drive inside the facility. Over the course of two weeks, he worked with other incarcerated men to collect donated commissary items from the prison population. These items were voluntarily given by individuals who often have very little themselves, making the effort even more meaningful.
The donations were delivered to Help House, a local food pantry that serves families throughout the winter months when food insecurity is at its highest. Staff at Help House were pleasantly surprised by the amount of groceries received. These donations helped provide meals, stability, and relief to families struggling during the coldest time of year.
Acts of generosity like this are not uncommon among incarcerated people, but they are rarely seen or acknowledged outside prison walls. Feeding Families From the Inside highlights how people who are incarcerated still find ways to contribute positively to their communities, even under restrictive circumstances.
Robert understands that food insecurity does not end with the holidays. During the summer months, when children are out of school and access to school meal programs disappears, many families face increased hardship. Because of this, the men involved have committed to continuing the effort.
What began as a single holiday project is now becoming a biannual food drive, organized from inside London Correctional Institution. The goal remains simple: support local families and meet a real need in the community.
Feeding Families From the Inside serves as a reminder that compassion, responsibility, and service do not stop at incarceration. Community impact can take many forms, and sometimes it comes from places people least expect.
Those who want to support efforts like Feeding Families From the Inside can learn how to get involved by visiting our Get Involved page, which explains how to contact local representatives and advocate for change.
For full documentation related to Robert’s case — including 911 calls, court records, and supporting files — visit the Resources page.
To stay up to date on ongoing efforts and recent developments, view the latest updates on our Campaign Updates page.