Places to Donate Food During Holiday Season and All Year-Round

Many families struggle to put food on the table year-round, and especially during the long holiday season. You can help to put food on their tables by making a donation of non-perishable food or cash to a local food pantry.

Most food pantries in Rhode Island stock their shelves with the help of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank at 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence. You can make a direct donation there between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday. 

Here are a few places you can donate in the East Bay -- with a list of the most-wanted food donations.

Food drops locations:

East Bay Food Pantry at 150 Franklin St. in Bristol. Open 10 am to 5 pm each Wednesday through Saturday.

Bristol Good Neighbors Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen on Hope Street near Church Street. Open 8 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday.

 St. Mary of the Bay parish on Main Street in Warren. Open on Wednesday from 9 am to 1 pm and Thursday from 4 to 6:30 pm.

TAP-IN on County Road in the lower level of the Barrington library building next to Town Hall. Open from 9 am to noon Monday through Friday.

Most-wanted donations: 

Proteins: Peanut butter, tuna, canned and dried beans, canned chili, soups and stews. 

Carbohydrates: Nutritious breakfast cereals, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, granola bars, cheese and cracker packages.

Fruits and vegetables: Canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tomato sauce, jams and jellies.

Miscellaneous: Extra virgin olive oil.

The community food bank asks that you donate food that is in good condition and “in date.” Foods 6 months past the expiration date are not accepted. The food bank does not accept homemade products or glass jars of baby food. Boxed cereals and formula are welcome if they are unopened and within the date code.

Did we miss a drop-off location for donations? Tell us where and what's needed in the comment section below.