The City of Providence is closely monitoring the ongoing federal disruption to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While this is a nationwide issue, the City is coordinating with stakeholders to ensure the estimated 26,000 households in Providence that receive benefits, have access to food and essential resources during this period.
The City of Providence published an Emergency Food Plan and have been working to maintain clear and timely communication as the situation develops. Updates will be shared here as new information becomes available.
Last Updated: October 28, 2025
What to know?
- SNAP participants who received October benefits should expect EBT cards to work as usual at authorized retailers through October 31 and beyond. Any unused funds on your EBT card will roll over into November.
- November SNAP food assistance benefits are on hold, and your November benefits will not be available on your EBT card on November 1st unless federal actions are taken.
- The State of Rhode Island has announced Emergency Payments for Families with Children through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding for eligible families, more information is here.
- Visit dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services for latest updates from the Rhode Island Department of Human Services who oversees the benefits locally.
What resources are available?
- A list of open food pantries in the Providence area is available here that includes locations, hours of operation and bilingual support.
- All Providence Public School District (PPSD) students receive free breakfast and lunch at school. For more information on school meals and menus, visit PPSD’s website.
- Community Meals for youth 18 and under are available at recreation centers and libraries in the City and hours and locations are available here.
- Contact Meals on Wheels of RI to determine your eligibility for their services.
- The Office of Senior Services is providing transportation for seniors who need support accessing a food pantry on a limited basis. If you need transportation, please call 3-1-1.
- Looking for additional information? Call United Way of Rhode Island’s 2-1-1 for 24/7 bilingual assistance.
How can you help?
- Local organizations need our support. If you have the ability to donate during this crisis, please consider donating to the Rhode Island Food Bank. The average SNAP benefit is $6.69 per person, per day so any amount helps.
- Volunteer your time to organizations who may need extra assistance during this time by signing up here.
- Donate unexpired, non-perishable, non-glass food including:
- Soups & stews: Any variety, canned or boxed
- Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese: Any variety, boxed, bagged or canned
- Breakfast Cereals: Any variety
- Rice: Jasmine, yellow, basmati, white and brown
- Canned Fish & Meat: Tuna, chicken, sardines, salmon
- Canned Fruit: Pineapple, mango, peaches, pears, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail
- Canned Vegetables: Any variety
- Tomato Products: Diced, crushed, sauce, paste
- Beans & Lentils: Any variety
- Nut & Seed Butters: Peanut, sunflower, soy nut, almond, cashew
- Sauces, Spices and Condiments: In plastic bottles or cans only, no glass
- Providence City Hall: 25 Dorrance Street, Room 101
- Providence Public Safety Complex: 325 Washington Street