Food Assistance Resources in Rhode Island

Last updated September 6, 2026

If you or your family are struggling to afford food in Rhode Island, you are not alone — and real help is available. Rhode Island administers several federally funded nutrition programs, including SNAP and WIC, through the Department of Human Services (DHS). Eligibility is based on household size and income, and many people qualify even if they are working.

For the fastest way to find food near you — including local food pantries, community meals, and emergency food boxes — call 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211). Rhode Island's 2-1-1 helpline is staffed around the clock and can connect you with resources in your specific city or town, from Providence to Woonsocket to Westerly.

If you are already working with a case manager or social worker, they can help you apply for multiple programs at once. If you are navigating this on your own, start with 2-1-1 or the DHS online portal — both are designed to be accessible and are available in multiple languages.

Key programs in Rhode Island

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Rhode Island DHS

Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card that can be used to buy groceries at most supermarkets and many farmers markets across Rhode Island.

How to access: Apply online at the Rhode Island DHS self-service portal (dhs.ri.gov), in person at your local DHS office, or by calling Rhode Island DHS at (401) 462-5300. You can also apply with help from a community partner by calling 2-1-1.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — Rhode Island WIC Program

Nutrition support including food benefits, breastfeeding help, and health referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age 5.

How to access: Contact the Rhode Island WIC Program through the Rhode Island Department of Health (health.ri.gov) or call (401) 222-4WIC (4942) to find a WIC clinic near you and schedule an eligibility appointment.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank

The central food distribution hub for Rhode Island, supplying a statewide network of food pantries, meal programs, and emergency food sites. The Food Bank itself does not distribute directly to individuals, but its network does.

How to access: Use the pantry finder at rifoodbank.org or call 2-1-1 to locate the nearest member food pantry or distribution site in your community. No referral is needed at most member pantries.

National School Lunch Program & School Breakfast Program

Free or reduced-price meals for income-eligible children at participating public and private schools throughout Rhode Island during the school year.

How to access: Contact your child's school or school district directly to request a free and reduced-price meal application. Applications are reviewed annually. Income guidelines are set federally and updated each year.

Senior Nutrition Programs (via Eldercare Locator)

Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (often called Meals on Wheels) for older adults aged 60 and above who have difficulty accessing or preparing food.

How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (free, nationwide) to be connected to your local Rhode Island Area Agency on Aging, which can enroll you in meal programs available in your county or town.

Food Assistance resources for Rhode Island

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
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