With federal food assistance in limbo due to the federal government shutdown, thousands of Rhode Islanders are bracing for missed or delayed SNAP payments. Slated to arrive on benefit cards on Nov. 1, it’s unlikely those benefits will arrive if the federal shutdown is still in effect. Community organizations across the state are stepping up to help — and offering ways for neighbors to pitch in.
If You Need Help
The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is coordinating emergency food access across the state. Visit rifoodbank.org/find-food to locate the pantry closest to you or call 2-1-1 for live assistance from United Way.
Other local resources include:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Newport
- East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP)
- Meals on Wheels RI
- Project Hand Up, West Warwick
- Warwick Public Library Community Pantry
- Feed RI mobile pantry map, including the Hope Market in Rumford
- City of Providence food resources
For higher-ed students:
The Rhode Island Department of Human Services is maintaining SNAP program updates here. If you still have funds on your EBT card, you should be able to use them. November SNAP food assistance benefits are on hold, unless federal actions are taken.
If You Can Give
The Rhode Island Foundation has pledged $1 million to support residents facing hunger, and local businesses are joining in.
You can drop off nonperishable food or donate directly to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
You can host your own donation bin and run your own food drive here, and you can also support the Main Street Meals Program (formerly Nourish our Neighbors). Ten dollars provides a locally-prepared meal for a Rhode Islander in need.
Donate to the Northern RI food pantry here.
This story was corrected to note that funds already loaded on EBT cards should remain available after Nov. 1, according to experts.
