Food Banks and Pantries in Providence, RI

How to Get Free Food in Providence

Providence is served by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Feeding America member covering the entire state. It distributes food through 137 member agencies across Rhode Island. Crossroads Rhode Island and Amos House are the largest direct-service soup kitchens. The food bank also runs mobile distributions targeting food desert neighborhoods in South Providence, Olneyville, and Woonsocket.

Regional Food Bank: Rhode Island Community Food Bank

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Providence, RI area. It distributes food to an estimated 137 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across Statewide across Rhode Island, headquartered in Providence.

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Providence

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

Amos House on Friendship Street is one of the largest soup kitchens in Providence, serving lunch daily at 11:30am. Crossroads Rhode Island on Broad Street serves three meals daily for shelter residents and walk-ins. The Salvation Army on Elmwood Avenue offers community meals. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank supplies many smaller church kitchens across the state.

Mobile Pantry Program

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank runs a Mobile Pantry program that delivers truckloads of fresh produce and staples to underserved neighborhoods across Providence and the rest of the state. The schedule rotates weekly and is posted on rifoodbank.org. Distributions are first-come first-served.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank provides SNAP outreach and application assistance at its warehouse and partner sites. Staff help Rhode Island residents apply through the DHS. The Rhode Island SNAP hotline is 401-462-6660, and applications can be completed at healthyrhode.ri.gov.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Providence

Call 211 to reach the Rhode Island helpline for a referral to the nearest food bank partner pantry. Visit rifoodbank.org for the find-food locator, or use feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. Crossroads Rhode Island at 160 Broad St is a reliable same-day option for meals.

More Food & Benefits Guides

• SNAP / Food Stamps guide (general)
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
• EBT card guide -- how it works
• Free meals & community kitchens
• P-EBT & Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Frequently Asked Questions