St. Mary's Home – Providence

Food Assistance · Rhode Island · Free

Free meals and social services focused on women and children in Providence, with related community support for families in need. While core shelter programs serve women, staff can help fathers and extended family identify appropriate food, shelter, and resource referrals in the Providence area. Call during business hours to ask about meal schedules and current services. Bring photo ID and any custody or family documents relevant to your request.

Contact & Details

Address: Providence, RI 02908

Phone: 401-353-3900

Hours: Mon-Fri meals

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

More Food Assistance in Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island Community Food Bank — Largest hunger relief organization in Rhode Island, distributing food through a network of partner pantries and meal sites statewide from th
  • Feeding America – RI Partners — Nationwide network of food banks with partners across Rhode Island providing emergency food to fathers and families facing hunger. Use the o
  • WIC Program – RI — Nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits for pregnant women, infants, and children under five in Rhode Island
  • Meals on Wheels – RI — Home-delivered meals for homebound Rhode Island seniors through Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island, based in Providence. Fathers and families c
  • Farm Fresh RI – Bonus Bucks — Bonus Bucks doubles the value of SNAP/EBT purchases at participating farmers markets across Rhode Island through Farm Fresh RI on Sims Avenu
  • Providence School Meals Program — Free breakfast and lunch for all Providence public school students, regardless of income, through the district's school meals program. Fathe

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.