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Food and Related Resources for Graduate Students

Please also visit GSC Food Resources for additional information.

Brown Resources

  • Emergency Funding (including Meal Gap). Students experiencing acute food need can apply for support through the Graduate School’s E-Gap applications. For students in residence in Providence, credits for on-campus meals through the Meal Gap program (meal credits) may be provided for short-term, immediate needs. This form of support, the number of meals, and the period of time over which they will be provided will be determined on an individual basis after discussion between the student and Associate Dean. Because each student’s situation is different, there is no standard for when or how many meal credits are provided. More detailed information about meal credits can be found on the Emergency Funding Programs webpage.

    Emergency funding applications can be found in UFunds under ‘Graduate Student E-Gap Funds’. Students can expect to receive a response to their application within 2-3 business days. Funding is limited, but is open through the semester. 
  • Bear Market Food Exchange Pantry - This small food exchange/pantry shelf is stocked by donations of non-perishable goods from the Brown community, and supplemented monthly by the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life. 
  • BrownU App. Opt-In Channel on Free Food: a daily message listing free food events at Brown. 

Local Options

  • Project Hand Up. This program helps working people and those who receive a monthly check to shop for groceries, toiletries, and over-the-counter medication. During COVID-19, they are doing curbside pick-up of 3 bags of pre packaged groceries for $6 (1 bag of non perishable food, bread & pastry, 1 bag of fruits & veggies, & 1 bag of frozen, dairy & meat if they have it). Located in West Warwick, open 2:30-5:30 pm on: Tuesdays for last names beginning with A-K, Wednesdays for 55 and older, and Thursdays for last names beginning with L-Z. Please visit their Facebook page for updates.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). Students who may be eligible include parents and non-stipended students who are also working for pay at least 20 hours per week and are under the income limits. Many other graduate students are likely not eligible, as students enrolled at least half-time at an institution of higher education are ineligible for SNAP, unless they meet one of the exceptions. Some helpful links here on How to Apply

Local Food Pantries & Community Food Resources 

  • All active food pantries: rifoodbank.org/find-food/ or Find a Food Pantry near you (Rhode Island Food Bank). Check during COVID-19 for more information. Pantries on the East Side, Providence include:
    • Camp Street Ministries Pantry. 190 1/2 Camp Street, Providence, RI 02906. (401) 302-3973. Providence residents; Guests can visit weekly; Handicapped Accessible
    • First Unitarian Church Pantry. 1 Benevolent Street , Providence RI 02906. (401) 457-7149 Handicapped Accessible.
    • Our Lady of the Rosary Pantry. 17 Traverse Street, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 453-0174. Serves guests monthly.
    • JCS-Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Pantry. 1165 North Main Street, 1st Floor. Providence, RI  02904. (401) 621-5374. Pantry is for guests who require kosher diets; guests can visit 2x/month; street parking; Handicapped Accessible
  • Refri-PVD: Refri is a community resource for anyone facing food insecurity. It is filled by local farmers, food organizations, and individuals. It is located at 705 Westminster Street, Providence, RI, outside of New Urban Arts.

Accessing Affordable Food Options

  • On Call Shuttle: The On-Call Shuttle will do pick-ups and drop-offs at a number of food and grocery stores, including East Side Marketplace, Stop & Shop, and Walmart. See coverage map.

Financial Options

  • Emergency Funding. Students experiencing urgent financial need can apply for support through the Graduate School’s E-Gap Funds. Applications can be found in UFunds, under ‘Graduate Student E-Gap Funds’. 
  • Financial Aid. Master’s students (non-MFA) can find information about additional types of aid (e.g. loans) through the Office of Financial Aid.

Additional Resources