The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 12% of Rhode Islanders struggle with food insecurity or hunger. This represents approximately 51,000 families in our state. 146,000 people in RI are living at or below the poverty line, 42,000 of these are children. Sadly this number has grown over the years and St. Michael’s has seen an increase in the number of people who come seeking assistance to feed themselves and their families as have so many other food distribution sites in RI.
St. Michael’s food pantry was developed many years ago to help address this growing need.
Servicing 100 families in the 02905 and 02907 zip codes, our hours of operation are Tuesday and Friday 12pm-2pm. On Mondays, thanks to an additional donor, members may also receive fresh vegetables, fruits and bread.
Food pantry members receive a supply of staple foods 1x/month.
If you are in need of food assistance, please register at the rectory. You must bring proof of your address. Once registered, participants are eligible to receive a bag of food at the next open hours.
In an effort to help preserve our environment, the food pantry has moved toward the use of reusable bags. Members receive a reusable bag at their first visit and are asked to bring this back at their next visit.
Like most food pantries, there are often times when the need of the community is greater than our resources.
Here’s how you can help…..
1. Make a donation of some of our staple items including:
Cereal, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, canned goods, tuna, peanut butter, soups, crackers
( Please-no food that requires refrigeration. We also are not able to accept used clothing or used toys)
2. Organize a food drive at work or in your own social circle and consider St. Michael’s for your donation site.
3. Take part in the Good Friday Walk for Hunger and Homelessness. St Michael’s Food Pantry is one of the recipients of funds from the Walk which began here.
4. Support other local initiatives to address hunger such as our agency friends and neighbors at McAuley House, Amos House, Open Table of Christ, and Crossroads.