Food Banks in Rhode Island: Find Free Food Help Near You

Rhode Island has the highest food insecurity rate in New England — and one of the highest in the entire country. Nearly 38% of Rhode Island households struggle to afford adequate food, a record high driven by rising costs, housing expenses, and cuts to federal nutrition programs.

If you need food in Rhode Island, help is available right now. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank and its statewide network of 137 member agencies serve nearly 89,000 Rhode Islanders every month — and the food is free, no income verification required at most locations.

This guide covers every major food resource in Rhode Island, how to find a pantry near you, who qualifies, and what to expect when you visit.

Rhode Island Food Banks — Quick Answer

Dial 211 (free, 24/7) for food pantries near you right now. Or contact the main food bank directly:

Food Insecurity in Rhode Island — What the Numbers Show

Rhode Island’s food insecurity crisis is real, large, and growing. Here is what the most recent data shows.

Nearly 38% of households in the state are food insecure — a substantial increase from previous years, and higher than the national average. Among communities of color, the rate is even higher: 47% of Black households and 55% of Latino households experience food insecurity.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank currently distributes food to an average of 89,000 struggling Rhode Islanders each month through a statewide network of 137 member agencies, including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs, and senior centers. The Food Bank distributed over 18.5 million pounds of food last year, of which approximately 4.5 million pounds was fresh produce.

Basic annual household expenses for a single-parent family with two children in Rhode Island reached $83,239 in 2024 — one of the highest costs of living in the country. This cost burden is a primary driver of why so many working Rhode Islanders need food assistance even while employed.

The state’s annual allotment for the Food Bank increased from $550,000 in FY 2024 to $800,000 in FY 2025, used specifically to acquire food including fresh produce and culturally appropriate items.

Who Qualifies for Food Bank Help in Rhode Island?

All are welcome at Food Bank member agencies, regardless of income, background, or immigration status. If you need food assistance, member agencies are there to help. While no one is turned away, most agencies do require some basic household information for new guests. It’s best to call ahead of your first visit to learn what you might need to bring.

For federally funded TEFAP distributions, the income threshold is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — a level that includes a large portion of Rhode Island households given the state’s extremely high cost of living.

For the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides monthly food boxes for seniors, the threshold is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for adults aged 60 and older.

If you are unsure whether you qualify — you almost certainly do. Rhode Island’s food bank network is built for exactly the kind of need that most people don’t expect to face: working adults, families between jobs, seniors on fixed incomes, and households where wages simply don’t stretch far enough after rent.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank (RICFB) is the central hub of Rhode Island’s emergency food system and a member of the national Feeding America network. Founded in 1982, it is the primary distributor of food to all 137 member agencies across the state.

Address: 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 Phone: (401) 942-6325 Website: rifoodbank.org Find a pantry near you: rifoodbank.org/find-food Food Finder tool: rifoodbank.org/find-food (searchable by address and day of week)

The Food Bank does not distribute food directly to individuals — it supplies its member agency network, which includes food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs, and senior centers that serve people directly. Use the Food Finder tool at rifoodbank.org/find-food or dial 211 to find the closest location to your address.

Programs Run by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Member Agency Network — Food Pantries and Meal Sites The Food Bank’s 137 member agencies are the distribution points where Rhode Islanders actually receive food. These include church pantries, community center pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and school programs. Each operates independently with its own hours and requirements — call ahead or use the Food Finder to confirm current availability near you.

Kids Cafe Kids Cafe provides free meals and snacks to children in low-income areas through after-school and community programs. 88,000 Kids Cafe meals were served across 4 statewide sites in the most recent reporting period. Ask about Kids Cafe at your nearest member agency or search rifoodbank.org for participating sites.

Meals4Kids Boxes 9,800 Meals4Kids Boxes were distributed in the most recent reporting period — food boxes specifically designed to support children and families during school breaks and summers when school meal programs are unavailable.

To-Go Bags for Unhoused Individuals 13,000 To-Go Bags were given to unhoused individuals in the most recent year — pre-packed food bags available at select member agencies specifically for people experiencing homelessness or who cannot store food at home.

Spice Boxes 10,000 Spice Boxes were distributed as part of the Food Bank’s commitment to providing dignified, enjoyable food — not just caloric staples. Spice boxes help pantry recipients cook flavorful meals with pantry staples.

SNAP Outreach and Enrollment The Food Bank maintains a SNAP outreach program to help eligible Rhode Islanders apply for and maintain their SNAP benefits. Ask about SNAP assistance at your nearest member agency, or contact the Food Bank directly at (401) 942-6325.

Culturally Relevant Food The Food Bank distributed 2.8 million pounds of culturally relevant foods in its most recent full reporting year — a deliberate focus on stocking pantries with foods that reflect the diverse communities served, including items common in Latin American, Southeast Asian, and Caribbean cooking. Call ahead to ask about culturally specific items at your nearest pantry.

SNAP Incentive Program The Rhode Island Department of Human Services launched the Eat Well, Be Well Pilot Incentive Program for SNAP recipients, offering a $0.50 rebate for every $1.00 spent on fruits and vegetables at participating retail stores, up to $25.00 per month per household. Ask about participating stores at your nearest member agency.

Other Key Food Organizations in Rhode Island

Feed RI

Feed RI is one of Rhode Island’s leading food rescue organizations, operating for over 15 years and partnering with 75+ nonprofit organizations statewide.

Website: feedri.org Address: 10 Sims Avenue, Unit 103, Providence, RI 02909 (Farm Fresh RI offices)

Feed RI operates three distinct programs serving different needs across the state.

School Food Pantries: Feed RI establishes and maintains food pantries in high-need schools, ensuring students have consistent access to nutrition beyond school hours — weekends, breaks, and evenings when school meal programs aren’t running.

Community Food Distribution: A statewide distribution network that connects surplus food from retailers, farms, and producers with Rhode Islanders in need. Feed RI partners with Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, and other retailers to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste.

Hope Market (Rumford): An accessible, low-cost community marketplace in Rumford offering essential food and household supplies at deeply reduced prices. Open to everyone.

East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)

EBCAP operates food pantries serving East Providence, Bristol County, and Newport County — an important resource for residents outside Providence who need nearby food assistance.

Phone: (401) 437-1000 Website: ebcap.org/programs/food-pantries

Individuals and families in need of food assistance may visit one of EBCAP’s three food pantries twice a month. Staff help you select food that you and your family will enjoy, with the amount based on your family size. It is helpful — but not required — to bring reusable bags.

EBCAP pantries also provide diapers and wipes (through Project Undercover) and period products (through Amenity Aid) at select locations. Ask about these items when you call.

Good Neighbors Community Kitchen and Food Pantry

Good Neighbors has been serving Rhode Islanders experiencing food insecurity for 35 years, currently operating out of East Providence.

Phone: (401) 562-2272 Website: goodneighborsri.org Address: East Providence, RI

Good Neighbors serves hot meals every weekday through their Community Kitchen and distributes groceries through their Food Pantry. They also offer meal and grocery delivery for the most vulnerable residents of East Providence.

In 2024, Good Neighbors cooked and served or delivered 18,133 hot meals from their community kitchen. Through the pantry, they provided food for 4,181 individuals from 1,348 households — enough food for 140,364 meals.

Project Hand Up (West Warwick)

Project Hand Up is a unique nonprofit model — not a traditional pantry, but a food rescue marketplace where anyone can shop for a $6 donation and receive far more in food value.

Address: 15 Factory Street, West Warwick, RI 02893 Website: projecthandup.net

Project Hand Up collects from Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Ocean State Job Lot, and more. Shopping is curbside pickup. You can shop once per week and for a $6 donation receive an assortment of perishables and nonperishables that far exceed the donation amount.

Hours: Tuesdays 3:00–5:00 PM (last names A–K), Thursdays 3:00–5:00 PM (last names L–Z), Fridays 3:00–4:30 PM for remaining shoppers. Veterans and those 60+ are welcome to shop any open day.

There are no income or residency restrictions — anyone can participate.

Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP)

CCAP operates a client-choice food bank for Providence County residents — meaning you shop through a food selection process similar to a grocery store rather than receiving pre-packed bags.

Phone: (401) 467-7013 Website: ccapri.org Hours: Monday–Tuesday 9:30 AM–4:00 PM, Wednesday 9:30 AM–6:30 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Friday 9:30 AM–4:00 PM

The client-choice model gives you control over what food you select — important for households with dietary restrictions, allergies, or cultural food preferences.

Hope’s Harvest — Farm Fresh RI

Hope’s Harvest is Farm Fresh RI’s food security program, connecting surplus fresh produce from local farms directly to hunger relief agencies and low-income Rhode Islanders.

Phone: (401) 312-4250 Website: farmfreshri.org/programs/hopes-harvest Address: 10 Sims Avenue, Unit 103, Providence, RI 02909

In addition to gleaning activities, Hope’s Harvest coordinates grant-funded procurement programs that pay local farmers to grow specifically for hunger relief. The Farm to Food Pantry program allocates funding to hunger relief agencies in RI to purchase locally produced goods.

The Senior Market Farmers Market Nutrition Program addresses food insecurity among low-income Rhode Island seniors by distributing boxes of locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.

Hope’s Harvest is a particularly valuable resource for access to fresh, local, seasonal produce — something not always available at traditional pantries.

Federal Food Programs in Rhode Island

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card for use at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. 144,188 Rhode Islanders are currently enrolled in SNAP.

Rhode Island also participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program at many farmers markets — SNAP recipients can double their benefits when purchasing local fruits and vegetables.

Apply for SNAP: Apply online at dhs.ri.gov or in person at your local DHS office. SNAP Enrollment Help: Contact the RI Community Food Bank at (401) 942-6325 or any member agency for in-person SNAP enrollment assistance. SNAP Hotline: (401) 462-5300

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

TEFAP provides free USDA-donated food to low-income individuals through the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and its member agency network. Eligibility: household gross income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Recipients self-certify income — no documentation is required.

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)

CSFP provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors age 60 and older. Packages include shelf-stable proteins, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Eligibility: age 60+, household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Contact the Rhode Island Community Food Bank at (401) 942-6325 to find a CSFP distribution site near you.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC provides nutrition benefits, healthy food, and support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. In May 2024, there were 18,421 participants in Rhode Island’s WIC program. The average monthly food benefit was $60 per participant.

Apply for WIC in Rhode Island: Contact the Rhode Island Department of Health at (401) 222-5960 or visit health.ri.gov/programs/wic.

Summer EBT

Summer EBT provides families that qualify for free or reduced-price school meals with additional food benefits during summer months — specifically to address the meal gap children experience when school is out of session. Ask about Summer EBT enrollment at any member agency or SNAP office.

How to Find a Food Pantry in Rhode Island — Step by Step

Step 1: Dial 211. Free, available 24/7. Tell the operator you need food and your city or zip code. They maintain a live directory of pantries, meal sites, and distributions currently operating near you.

Step 2: Use the Food Bank’s Food Finder. Go to rifoodbank.org/find-food and enter your address. The tool shows nearby member agency pantries with addresses, hours, and contact information. You can also filter by day of the week.

Step 3: Call ahead before your first visit. Hours vary and some pantries require appointments. Calling first confirms current availability, what to bring, and whether they have specific items you need (baby formula, culturally specific foods, diapers, etc.).

Step 4: Bring basic information. Most pantries ask for your address or zip code and basic household information (number of people, ages of children). A photo ID is helpful but not required at most locations. Bring a reusable bag or box to carry food.

Step 5: Ask about other programs. Many pantry staff and volunteers can connect you with SNAP enrollment, WIC, utility assistance, and other resources. Before you leave, ask what else is available in your area.

What to Bring to a Food Pantry in Rhode Island

Most Rhode Island food pantries are welcoming and ask for very little. Come with:

A reusable bag or box to carry food home. Your address or zip code for service area confirmation. A photo ID — optional at most pantries but helpful at more formal distribution sites. Basic household information — number of people, ages of children, if asked. Any specific dietary needs to mention to staff (allergies, religious dietary requirements, health conditions).

Most locations will allow for a proxy to pick up food on your behalf if you cannot attend in person — call ahead to confirm.

Food Pantries by City in Rhode Island

For the complete, up-to-date list of pantry locations and hours in every Rhode Island city, use the Food Finder at rifoodbank.org/find-food or dial 211.

Major service areas with active pantry networks include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Woonsocket, Newport, North Providence, Cumberland, West Warwick, Johnston, North Kingstown, Bristol, Westerly, and Middletown.

If you live in a rural area of Rhode Island, call 211 — some member agencies serve multiple towns and may have mobile or scheduled distributions in your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Rhode Island have just one food bank?

Rhode Island has one central food bank — the Rhode Island Community Food Bank — but it operates through a statewide network of 137 member agencies, including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, and senior programs. There are also independent organizations like Feed RI, Good Neighbors, EBCAP, and CCAP that operate outside of but often in coordination with the Food Bank’s network.

Do I need proof of income or documentation to use a food pantry in Rhode Island?

No income verification is required at most Rhode Island food pantries. You may be asked for basic household information — your address and number of people in your household — but this is for service tracking, not eligibility screening. No one is turned away for lack of documentation at RI Community Food Bank member agencies.

Can undocumented immigrants use food banks in Rhode Island?

Yes. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank explicitly welcomes everyone regardless of immigration status. Using food bank services does not affect immigration cases and is not considered a public benefit under immigration law.

How often can I visit a food pantry?

This varies by pantry. Most allow visits once or twice a month. Some pantries — particularly those serving emergency needs — allow more frequent visits. EBCAP food pantries, for example, allow families to visit twice a month. Call your nearest pantry to confirm their specific policy.

Is there a food pantry open on weekends in Rhode Island?

Some pantries operate on Saturdays. Use the Food Finder at rifoodbank.org/find-food and filter by day — or dial 211 and ask specifically about weekend hours near you.

Can someone else pick up food for me?

Most locations allow a proxy to pick up food on your behalf. All locations are independently operated, so it’s best to call ahead. Let the pantry know in advance and provide the name of the person who will be picking up.

What is the Eat Well, Be Well program in Rhode Island?

The Eat Well, Be Well Pilot Incentive Program offers SNAP recipients a $0.50 rebate for every $1.00 spent on fruits and vegetables at participating retail stores, up to $25.00 per month per household. Ask about participating stores at your nearest food pantry or SNAP office.

How do I apply for SNAP in Rhode Island?

Apply online at dhs.ri.gov, call the SNAP Hotline at (401) 462-5300, or visit any Rhode Island DHS office in person. For help with the application, contact the RI Community Food Bank’s SNAP outreach program at (401) 942-6325 — they can walk you through eligibility and the application process at no cost.

Final Thoughts

Food insecurity in Rhode Island is at a record high — but so is the network of people working to address it. With nearly 89,000 Rhode Islanders served every month through 137 member agencies, the state’s food system is large, active, and ready to help.

If you need food today, start with one of these steps:

Dial 211 for the closest pantry to you right now. Use the Food Finder at rifoodbank.org/find-food to search by address. Call the Rhode Island Community Food Bank directly at (401) 942-6325.

You don’t need to prove anything or qualify under a strict threshold. If you need food, you can get it.

Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Rhode Island Community Food Bank 2024–2025 Status Reports (rifoodbank.org), Rhode Island Food Policy Council, Rhode Island DHS SNAP Program, Brown University School of Public Health 2023 RI Hunger Survey, Farm Fresh Rhode Island (farmfreshri.org), Feed RI (feedri.org), East Bay Community Action Program (ebcap.org)

Program hours, pantry locations, and eligibility details change frequently. Always call ahead or dial 211 to confirm current availability near you.