The Food 4 Thought Pantry was created in 2016 by L4L to help the college combat food insecurity among our students. According to a first-of-its-kind survey released in April 2018 by Temple University and Wisconsin HOPE Lab researchers, more than 1/3 of college students surveyed nationally do not get enough to eat.
In Fall 2019, L4L collaborated with The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice at Temple University to conduct the #RealCollege Survey at Rhode Island College. There are 681 students that participated in the survey. According to the survey results, 40% of respondents experienced food insecurity during the 30 days preceding the survey and within the previous year.
According to a survey released in March 2021 by Temple University and Wisconsin HOPE Lab researches, 28% of students surveyed experience food insecurity in the prior 30 days.
In Fall 2019, Rhode Island College received the results of the Campus Climate Survey that was conducted the prior semester. The survey indicated that 33% (323 of 953 respondents) of our students indicated they were experiencing financial hardships related to obtaining food.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Food 4 Thought Pantry was utilized by 237 students, for a total of 502 times.
| Who is Eligible? | What's Available? | Where and When? |
|---|---|---|
| We serve all RIC students who are experiencing food insecurity. There is no fee to access the pantry, we simply request you provide your student ID card. We are committed to protecting your privacy if you visit us or contact us for resources. | The pantry is stocked with canned goods, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, snacks and more. We also some toiletries available. | The pantry is located in Bldg #3, East Campus and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10-6pm |
The food pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-6pm. It is located in building #3 on East Campus (lower level of the Financial Aid building). The food pantry is closed during all academic breaks, but is accessible by contacting Daniel Reyes at Learning for Life (401-456-6320; l4linfo@ric.edu) or Sherry DiBiase at the Counseling Center (401-456-8094).
Student workers have will have opportunity to learn skills in the operations of a food pantry. For more information on employment within the pantry, please contact Daniel Reyes.
Ensure all students who enter the pantry are greeted warmly and helped
Discuss the survey with students
Fulfill user food request forms
Log all distributed food in food pantry tracking form
Have the ability to lift over 25 pounds
Be eligible for Work Study
If you would like to donate to the pantry to support our students, please contact our Pantry Navigator to schedule a drop-off time. We appreciate your willingness to help sustain the pantry. Common items found in the pantry are, microwaveable meals, individual sized snacks and canned items.
To receive food assistance, contact an agency in your area. This list is organized by town then zip code. We recommend that you contact the agency before you visit to confirm hours of operation and find out what information you need to bring with you.
Some agencies only serve people in a specific area or zip code. This list is updated monthly.
Breakfast and Lunch Grab and Go meals are available for children throughout Rhode Island. Browse the food sites located in your town/city.
Catholic Social Services of RI has been authorized to distribute Stop & Shop gift cards to individuals temporarily out of work due to COVID-19/ Gift cards can range from $25-50, and will be available beginning March 18th.
Contact the Woonsocket, West Warwick or Wakefield satellite offices for more information.
Woonsocket - (401) 762-2849
West Warwick - (401) 823-6211
Wakefield - (401) 783-3149
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
provides low-income individuals and families with resources to purchase food
is based upon income, resources, and the number of individuals in a household
provides nutrition assistance in the form of an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which must be used at participating food stores
Department of Human Services Food Access Project provides a pilot program for SNAP recipients who meet certain criteria
*Information listed above is provided by the State of RI Department of Human Services
For more details information on SNAP or to apply visit their website.
For more information on how to choose and prepare healthy foods and be physically active on a budget, visit URI SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education.
We are here to connect students to on and off campus resources and opportunities to empower and overcome life obstacles on their journey to graduation.