At the East Bay Food Pantry, food is available to anyone in need in our community. We currently serve over 1,000 households representing more than 3,700 individuals (over 900 of those are children). Our “Client Choice” Food Pantry is set up grocery store style: our clients get a shopping basket and choose what their family needs and likes based on household size and key nutritional guidelines.
Our Thrift Shop is the sustaining force behind the East Bay Food Pantry. All are welcome to shop at the Thrift Shop! We have a wonderful array of quality items, treasures, and curiosities at great prices and the selection is always changing. Come in often to shop and make donations of quality, in-season clothing, furniture and household items. Your donations and purchases directly support our food pantry programs. Please help spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors about this “shopping for a cause” option in Bristol!
Several times each year, we organize fundraising events to raise awareness of our mission and support our food programs. In June, we hold our Get Off Your CAN! 5K Run/Walk to End Hunger in Colt State Park. Uncorked! takes place in September under the Herreshoff tent on Bristol Harbor and features live music, local eats, and cold beverages. Rock the CAN! gathers the best local bands for a benefit concert in January hosted by Jacky’s Galaxie in Bristol.
Food and funds are donated by various organizations around the community including The East Bay Cares Program of the Bristol County Elks, Bristol Rotary, Bristol County Lions, Rogers Free Library, Downtown Bristol Merchants Association, Rockwell, Colt-Andrews, and Guiteras Elementary Schools, Mt. Hope High School, Red Brick School, The Greene School, Little Friends Preschool, First Congregational Church Sunday School, Roger Williams University, Bryant University; and by numerous businesses, families, and individuals.
The East Bay Food Pantry is a proud member of the RI Community Food Bank network of agencies and the Bristol County Needs Network. We are a 501c(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible. We welcome your donations. Learn more about us in our 2011-2012 Annual Report.
Your good works and generosity help us fulfill our mission: “to engage, educate and empower the east bay in creating a hunger-free community.”
Click here to see answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the East Bay Food Pantry and Thrift Shop. You may also learn more about us on the Our Story page.
