Friday, November 14
Emergency Fund Created to Expand and Sustain Continued Food Access for Providence Neighbors Following Temporary SNAP Interruption
Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced today that the City of Providence has launched an emergency food security mini-grant program to provide rapid financial support to local organizations engaged in food distribution and delivery to Providence residents impacted by the interruption of SNAP benefits. This limited emergency fund is designed to support local organizations with mini-grants of up to $2,500 for the staffing, transportation and food purchasing funding necessary to continue to sustain and expand food access for residents during this period of increased need.
“The Trump Administration’s actions to delay SNAP benefits threatened food security for children, seniors and families in Providence and across the country. When the federal government fails to protect our most vulnerable neighbors, it is incumbent on local government to step up,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Amid widespread uncertainty and anxiety from the shutdown in recent weeks, Providence’s local food pantries have received a surge of demand for food on their already tight budgets and limited capacity. Through this emergency fund we are working quickly to give these organizations the resources they need to continue to feed our neighbors so that regardless of what happens at the federal level, every Providence resident has access to the food they need.”
The grant applications portal is currently live on the City of Providence’s website at providenceri.gov/foodgrants. All applicants must be active Rhode Island Community Food Bank members located in Providence that have experienced financial harm during the demand surge caused by the SNAP disruption. Applications will be accepted now through Thursday, November 20 at 4:30PM.
Last month in response to the SNAP funding interruption the Smiley Administration allocated $25,000 in direct financial aid to the Rhode Island Food Bank to support their services, activated the City’s Emergency Food Plan and doubled the number of community meals served each day at recreation centers and community libraries.
Providence residents who are looking for food assistance can visit providenceri.gov/food for live updates on active food pantries in the city.