Ways to Support Rhode Islanders Amidst SNAP Benefits Uncertainty

Photo via Getty Images / Eleganza

Despite an announcement from the federal government Monday that it will use contingency funds to partially fund November SNAP benefits, approximately 145,000 Rhode Islanders remain in limbo, uncertain when or how much of those benefits will be deposited into their accounts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday it would use approximately $5 billion in contingency funds to partially fund the food assistance program amid the government shutdown, but did not announce plans to cover the program’s full cost, estimated at between $8 million and $9 million for the month of November.

The noontime announcement came in response to a ruling by a Rhode Island federal judge last Friday ordering SNAP benefits be restored across the country. Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court in Rhode Island ordered the federal government distribute SNAP payments in a case brought by several Rhode Island nonprofits and municipalities, as well as other agencies around the country. It was the second SNAP ruling last week after a federal judge in Boston ordered the administration to respond by Monday on whether it would restore SNAP funding.

On Friday, Melissa Cherney, CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, said the agency was “overwhelmed” and food pantries were already seeing a surge in demand as clients anticipated their food benefits running out.

“We’ve heard that they’re seeing anywhere from a 40 to 300 percent increase already,” she told Rhode Island Monthly.

Last week, she said, the agency raised more than $500,000 in donations as Rhode Islanders stepped up to meet the need. The state of Rhode Island contributed $200,000 of social services block grant funding to the food bank to help fill the gap in food benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Despite the extra funding, Cherney said that based on the level of need last week, without a restoration of SNAP benefits, the agency is on track to run out of food in about a month.

“I worry that around Thanksgiving will be a tough spot for us to be in,” she said.

In the meantime, local businesses and food pantries are stepping up to fill in the gap. The city of Providence released a map of city-based food pantries with their hours and policies, and many restaurants are offering free meals for those affected by the shutdown.

The Food Bank has compiled a list of resources, including meal sites and food pantries. For those wishing to help, Cherney recommends donating cash to the Food Bank, which uses its relationships with suppliers to purchase food in bulk and distribute it to pantries around the state.

If you are in need of further assistance and/or are looking for additional ways you can help, keep scrolling for a list of local businesses that are coordinating food drives, pantries and more for the community.

• Kristi’s Kraftails is encouraging individuals and families in need to stop by its pop-up holiday market and café at the Point in Warren to pick up free food items and/or ask for additional support. Kristi’s also welcomes donations to its 24/7 food pantry if you feel so inclined. Learn more here. 747 Main St., Warren, kristiskraftails.com 
• Pretty Things PVD has teamed up with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to host a food drive in its lobby throughout the month of November. Non-perishable donation suggestions include canned soups and stews; boxes of pasta and macaroni and cheese; rice, beans and lentils,; canned fish and meat; canned fruits and vegetables; nut and seed butters; and sauces, spices and condiments. New boxes of diapers are also welcome. Learn more here. 375 Washington St., Providence, 401-415-7123, prettythingspvd.com 
• Rhody Roots in Warren is offering 100 free meals per week to children in the community. Options include a bacon egg and cheese or bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. To be eligible, the child must be under the age of eighteen and be able to provide their SNAP card. Orders can be made directly at the host stand. Rhody Roots is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers are also welcome to pay for and donate a meal in person or online. Learn more here. 511 Main St., 401-903-9159, rhodyroots.com 
• Now through November 19, Lops Brewing in Woonsocket is collecting non-perishables for New Beginnings soup kitchen. You can drop of your donation during its standard operating hours which are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. On the final day of collection, Wednesday, November 19, Lops will also host a Benefit Bingo Fundraiser with proceeds going towards New Beginnings. Learn more here. 122 North Main St., Unit 1A, Woonsocket, lopsbrewing.com 
• Fully Rooted in Pawtucket is collecting pantry items for the Rhode Island Food Bank to help alleviate strain on families. Those interested in donating can leave non-perishable items out for Fully Rooted’s team to pick up when they deliver your order, or you can stop by their table at Farm Fresh Rhode Island on Saturday, November 8, and Saturday November 15.  item suggestions include canned beans, peanut butter, canned tuna, rice, pasta, canned vegetables, canned fruit, soup, cooking oil, flour, cereal, oatmeal, tomato sauce, and nut butters. Learn more here. 560 Mineral Spring Ave, Pawtucket, fullyrooted.com 
• Brass Monkey in Providence is taking non-perishable donations to support Rhode Island Community Food Bank all November long. Patrons are welcome to drop off the items any time during their operating hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. 800 Allens Ave., Providence, 401-785-1818, brassmonkeyri.com 
• Cafe Ava in Cranston is not only collecting non-perishable food items but also matching each donation in quantity. Item suggestions include canned soups and stews, pasta, macaroni and cheese, breakfast cereals, rice, beans, lentils, canned fish and meat, canned fruit and veggies, nut and seed butters, sauces, spices and condiments. Learn more here. 48B Rolfe Sq., Cranston, 401-595-1249, cafeava-ri.com