Food 4 Thought Pantry & Lounge

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Learning for Life Food Pantry
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2 New Offerings!

  • Mini Farmers Market Tuesdays: fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables from Farm Fresh Rhode Island
  • Donut Wednesdays: afternoon donuts from Knead Doughnuts

Follow us on Instagram to get the most up-to-date information on food pantry happenings.

The Food 4 Thought Pantry was created in 2016 by Learning for Life to help the college combat food insecurity among students. The pantry assists all RIC students with food and/or housing insecurity by providing a private and confidential opportunity to obtain food and toiletries. During the 2022–2023 academic year, the Food 4 Thought Pantry was utilized by 237 students, for a total of 502 times.

Accessing the Food Pantry

The pantry is located in Building #3 (lower level of the Financial Aid building) on the East Campus.

Inside view of the RIC Food Pantry for students in Building 3

Our new hours for this semester are:

  • Monday: 8:30 am–1:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am–5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am–5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am– 3:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am–1:30 pm

The food pantry is closed during all academic breaks, but is accessible by asking for Daniel Reyes in Learning for Life  or Sherry Di Biase in the Counseling Center.

L4L Food Pantry

Who is Eligible?

We serve all RIC students who are experiencing food insecurity. There is no fee to access the pantry, we simply request you provide your student ID card. We are committed to protecting your privacy if you visit us or contact us for resources.

What's Available?

The pantry is stocked with canned goods, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, snacks and more. We also have some toiletries available.

Work Study Opportunities

Student workers have the opportunity to learn skills in the operations of a food pantry. To qualify you must be able to lift over 25 pounds and be eligible for Work Study. For more information on pantry employment contact Daniel Reyes. 

  • ensure all students who enter the pantry are greeted warmly and helped
  • discuss the survey with students
  • fulfill user food request forms
  • log all distributed food in food pantry tracking form
  • check for expired dates on food and move items with closest expiration to the front
  • transfer expired food to the designated area for disposal 
  • pick up donations from offices on campus
  • if donations come in, add to the tracking form and stock them on the shelves
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Donate to the Pantry

If you would like to donate to the pantry to support our students, please contact our Pantry Navigator to schedule a drop-off time. We appreciate your willingness to help sustain the pantry. Common items found in the pantry are, microwaveable meals, individual sized snacks and canned items.

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Additional Resources

RI Community Food Bank

RIC Community Food Bank

Since 1982, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank has been distributing millions of pounds of food to those in need of assistance

Learn More About the Food Bank

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Local Food Pantries and Meal Sites

To receive food assistance, contact an agency in your area. This list is organized by town then zip code. We recommend that you contact the agency before you visit to confirm hours of operation and find out what information you need to bring with you. (Some agencies only serve people in a specific area or zip code.)

Find Food Near You

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Family Food Support

The Rhode Island Department of Education provides meals to eligible children and adults in care centers. and the Browse the food sites located in your town/city. 

Understand the Child and Adult Care Food Program

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, is the nation's largest program for fighting domestic hunger.

More Information on SNAP

SNAP Eligibility & How to Apply

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Healthy Food and Activity

For more information on how to choose and prepare healthy foods and be physically active on a budget. 

URI SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education

Rhode Island College entrance

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Learning 4 Life

We are here to connect students to on and off campus resources and opportunities to empower and overcome life obstacles on their journey to graduation.