Standing United to Support Central Falls Families
Across the country right now, the ongoing federal government shutdown is disrupting essential programs that families rely on in every state. One of the most urgent impacts is to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which is the program that helps families put food on the table.
If the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits will not be distributed to ANYONE on November 1. This decision is beyond the City’s control, but we are acting quickly to protect and support our residents who will be dramatically impacted by this.
More than 5,000 Central Falls residents–including thousands of children—depend on SNAP. That’s more than one in four members of our community. Mayor Maria Rivera convened an emergency coordination meeting with community and school leaders, food pantries, and partners across the city to plan our response. Together, we are committed to ensuring no one in Central Falls goes hungry.
How Our City is Responding
We are working with our partners to:
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Expand local food pantry hours and capacity
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Host pop-up food distribution events and shared markets
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Coordinate even more meal support through community kitchens
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Direct residents to accurate, up-to-date information and resources
Where to Find Food Support
Below is a list of local food pantries currently serving Central Falls residents and our area. Please bring ID and proof of address where required. Please check back for updated dates/times of operation:
| Organization | Days / Hours | Location | Contact |
| Progreso Latino | Wednesdays, 10AM–1PM | Knights of Columbus, 20 Claremont St., Central Falls | 401-728-5920 x129 |
| Salvation Army* (*ID/Bill Required) |
Wednesdays, 9AM–12PM | 102 High St., Pawtucket | 401-723-9533 |
| Segue Food Pantry | Thursdays, 9:30AM- 2PM | 390 Pine St., Pawtucket | 401-721-0964 |
| BVCAP* (*ID, Proof of Address, and SS Card) |
Mon–Fri, 9AM–3PM | 210 West Ave., Pawtucket | 401-475-5069 |
| Central Falls Foundation | Twice a month, 5PM* *Call for schedule |
Madeira Club, 46 Madeira Ave., Central Falls | 401-644-2196 |
| Casa de Oracion Getsemani |
Saturdays, 9AM–11:30AM
|
38 Park St., Pawtucket (Entrance: Fountain St.; visit monthly) | 401-725-5010 |
| RI Community Food Bank | (Call for more listings statewide) | (Call for more listings statewide) | 401-942-6325 |
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Central Falls School District McKenna Center (Feed RI- We Share Hope) (*Must be a CFSD student) |
(Contact F.A.C.E Team to inquire)
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115 Illinois St, Central Falls, RI 02863 | 401-727-7700 |
| Blackstone Valley Prep Little Free Food Pantry | Accessible 24/7 | 65 Macondray Street, Cumberland, RI | 401-335-3133 |
| Excel Academy Rhode Island (* Must be an Excel Academy Student) | Free breakfast and lunch during school hours | 622 Woonasquatucket AveNorth Providence, RI 02911 | 401.680.6086 |
Upcoming Support Events
🗓️ Elisha Project Shared Market
When: Saturday, October 25 at 8:00 AM
Where: 100 Main Street, Pawtucket
Open to anyone. This is a "car only" event–first 500 cars will receive food donation bags.
🗓️ Central Falls United Pop-Up Food Distribution
When: Saturday, November 1 at 11 am
Where: 85 Hunt Street, Central Falls, RI, 02863 (parking lot)
Free groceries and resources for all families in need. Details coming soon.
How Supporters Can Help
We need our entire community to stand together! If you are able, please consider donating directly to the following organizations who are supporting food assistance support on the ground for our families:
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Central Falls Foundation – supports local Central Falls families, food programs, and community relief.
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The Elisha Project – delivers food and resources to those in need, frequently supports our Central Falls families.