Frequently Asked Questions
How do you qualify for food assistance?
Anyone who comes to us asking for help with food receives it. The only requirement is that you live within our service area. See below for service areas.
What cities and towns does EBFP serve?
We service the East Bay area, including Barrington, Bristol, East Providence, Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Portsmouth, Riverside, Rumford, Tiverton, and Warren.
What do I need to bring with me to register for food assistance?
Please bring a photo ID with current address for yourself and all family members 18 or over. If IDs are not current, please bring in a piece of mail or lease with your (or family member's) name and current address. You may take a photo with your phone of a license or State ID for adult family members. For children 17 and under, please bring a medical card, SS card, or other piece of official documentation with the child's name. You will receive a white laminated client card on day of registration and several reusable shopping bags. Please bring these with you every time you come to the pantry.
What day is the food pantry open?
Our client choice food pantry is open on Wednesdays, 10am-6:30pm. We also have a variety of other food programs available. More information can be found on our Food Programs page. Each time you shop, please bring a photo ID, client card, and reusable shopping bags.
How often can I use the food pantry's services?
If needed, you may receive food from the Food Pantry twice each calendar month. Other food programs are also available for additional assistance. More information can be found on our Food Programs page.
Can anyone shop at the thrift shop?
YES! Everyone is welcome to the wonderful bargains at our thrift shop. The thrift shop is open Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday. All proceeds from thrift shop sales go to help us run the food pantry.
How can I support East Bay Food Pantry?
Monetary gifts can be donated on the website or by check mailed to:
East Bay Food Pantry
532 Wood Street
Bristol,RI 02809
How can I donate non perishable food or thrift shop items?
Food donations may be dropped off during regular business hours. For large food donations, such as from a food drive, please call us to set up an appointment so we can be sure to have appropriate help to unload and store the food.
Thrift Shop donations may be made in two ways. Soft goods may be dropped off in the bin outside our door on Tuesdays, 10am-4pm. For donations of other items or at other times, please call to set-up an appointment.
Please do not leave donations outside of business hours.
Can I Volunteer at the food pantry or Thrift Shop?
Yes, we rely on on volunteers to make the work we do possible. A volunteer application, confidentiality agreement, and current background check are required.