As URI’s Department of Nutrition, we are well aware of the scope of food insecurity. In Rhode Island, 11% of households are food insecure. It is estimated that 40% of college students across the country are affected by food insecurity. If you or someone you know is having a difficult time accessing healthy, affordable food, please use the following resources.
On campus
- Rhody Outpost: Rhody Outpost is located on campus at the Dining Services Warehouse, 10 Tootell Road. The Outpost provides food to all URI students who are food and/or housing insecure, just bring a student ID!
- URI Free Farmers’ Market: Fresh fruits and vegetables grown on URI campus, available to students free of charge. Thursdays on the Quad in the Fall semester. Follow @urifreefarmersmarket for details
Off-campus
- Hope’s Harvest RI : Hope’s Harvest is a volunteer-based organization that collects food from local farms that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to local hunger relief organizations.
- RI Food Bank: The RI Food Bank’s website is a great resource to locate nearby food assistance. The Food Bank houses several programs, such as school pantries, Healthy Habits nutrition education, and community farms.
- FarmFresh RI & Farmers Markets: FarmFresh RI is an organization that aims to increase community access to local foods. FFRI provides many programs such as Farmers Markets (SNAP/EBT accepted) and Mobile Markets. Use this website to learn more about where to find farmers markets and fresh produce near you, including the South Kingstown Farmers Market!
- SNAP Outreach: SNAP is a government assistance program that helps low-income households pay for nutritious food. Rhode Islanders can use the SNAP Outreach website to apply for nutrition assistance.
- Jonnycake Center: Located in Peace Dale, the Jonnycake Center’s food pantry is open to South Kingstown, Narragansett, and Block Island residents.