EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Millions of Americans are on track to lose their food assistance in a matter of days as the government shutdown continues.
Many local communities, food banks and meal sites are stepping up their efforts to host food drives and feed more people.
Here's a breakdown of what's happening in Southern New England for those who are in need of food or would like to donate. This list will be updated as more drives are announced. There's also a map of local food pantries below.
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Central Falls
Central Falls Foundation: There will be a food pantry pop-up from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 85 Hunt St. The goal is to give people 7 to 14 days worth of food. The foundation expects to serve between 800 and 1,000 families. This event will only be open to Central Falls residents. Anyone who would like to help can donate here.
East Providence
East Providence: The city is coordinating with local nonprofits on a citywide food drive. The following locations are accepting donations:
* EBCAP Pantry: Nonperishable food donations can be made between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Dennis Roy Building at 100 Bullocks Point Ave.
* FEED RI: Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at 310 Bourne Ave. in Building 70.
* Good Neighbors: Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 55 Turner Ave. The nonprofit is in need of cereal, canned meals, canned protein, canned fruits, sauces, spices, snacks, pasta sides, rice sides, dessert mixes and diapers.
* Hope and Faith Drive: Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday at East Providence City Hall on Taunton Avenue.
* St. Francis Xavier Church Food Pantry: Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 81 North Carpenter St. In addition to nonperishables, the pantry is also in need of stuffing mix, gravy, pie filling, pie crust and nonperishable cranberry sauce.
* Townie Pride Pantry: Donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 1998 Pawtucket Ave. The pantry is in need of peanut butter, pasta sauce and canned veggies.
Hassell's Garage: From Nov. 1 to Nov. 25, this local business will be collecting nonperishable goods to donate to local food banks and pantries. Donations can be dropped off between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Fridays at 269 Wampanoag Trail.
Lincoln
Lincoln: Town leadership has organized a community food drive to help residents. The town is working on a plan to distribute the donations, which will be announced in the future. Nonperishable items can be dropped off at the following locations:
* Manville Fire Department: 112 Old Main St.
* Albion Fire Department: 38 School St.
* Saylesville Fire Department: 1 Chapel St.
* Lincoln Town Hall: 100 Old River Road
* Lincoln Senior Center: 150 Jenckes Hill Road
* Lincoln Public library: 145 Old River Road
Middletown
Newport County YMCA: Throughout the month of November, the YMCA will be collecting donations for the Martin Luther King Community Center Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off in the YMCA's lobby at 792 Valley Road.
Pawtucket
Fully Rooted: This Pawtucket-based company is collecting pantry items for the Rhode Island Food Bank. Customers can leave out nonperishables to be collected with their home deliveries. Donations can also be brought to the company's table at Farm Fresh Rhode Island on Saturday.
Providence
One Neighborhood Builders: This nonprofit has set up a drop-off point for food pantry donations at 66 Chaffee St.
South Kingstown
Jonnycake Center For Hope: Nonperishable food items like canned soup, whole grain cereal, pasta, brown rice, canned chicken, canned tuna, pasta sauce and canned fruit can be dropped off anytime in the blue bins outside of the Jonnycake Center at 22 Kersey Road.
Narragansett and South Kingstown Republican Party: There will be an emergency food drive from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 at 821 Mooresfield Road. Organizers will be collecting nonperishable food and personal care items that will be given to the Jonnycake Center for Hope. If you can't make it to the drive but would still like to help, you can reach out to Jessica Drew Day at [email protected].
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Attleboro
Attleboro Police Association: There will be a food drive from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at 40 Emory St. to benefit the Hebron Food Pantry. In addition to nonperishable food items, the association will also be collecting personal care items and new socks.
Hebron Food Pantry: Monetary donations can be made here. You can also buy items from the pantry's Amazon wish list here.
Fall River
Angels Anonymous: This nonprofit will be collecting nonperishable items and monetary contributions. Donations can be dropped off from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 231 Weaver St. You can make a monetary donation here.
New Bedford
New Bedford Health Department: The city's Department of Community Services is hosting a food drive that will run through March 31, 2026. Nonperishable donations can be dropped off at the New Bedford Council on Aging at City Hall, 181 Hillman St., Building 9, Entrance 1, and at the Buttonwood Senior Center in Buttonwood Park. Anyone with questions can call (508) 979-1464.
North Attleboro
Animal Crackers Nursery School: Nonperishable items can be dropped off at the preschool between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. until Friday, Nov. 7.
Swansea
Bristol Toyota: This car dealership will be collecting donations until Nov. 19 to benefit the East Bay Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at 2283 Grand Army of the Republic Highway.
If we're missing an upcoming food drive, please let us know here.
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