The Providence Public School District (PPSD) and FeedRI joined education leaders, city officials, and community partners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new food pantry at the Juanita Sanchez Education Complex (JSEC). Sponsored by the Providence Bruins, the new JSEC food pantry marks the 17th school-based food pantry established across the district.

Established through strong public-private partnerships—including the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE),  FeedRI, Providence Bruins, Gil’s Appliance, the Papitto Opportunity Connection, CVS Health, and Stop and Shop—these pantries serve as vital resources aimed at combating food insecurity within the Providence community. By locating food access points directly within schools, the initiative reduces barriers and ensures families can access healthy, reliable food in a safe and trusted environment.

In Providence Public Schools, 71.8% of students are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch programs, underscoring the critical need for community-based food access programs. According to Feeding America, approximately 1 in 5 Rhode Island children (around 31,000 to 37,000 youth) experience hunger or food insecurity, and 30.3% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children.

"In Providence Public Schools, our school buildings serve as community hubs where we support the total well-being of our students and their families," said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. "Opening this 19th food pantry at JSEC ensures that our students have direct, dignified access to nutritious food right where they learn every day."

"Ensuring that students' basic needs are met is essential to their success in the classroom," said Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green. "Through strong public-private partnerships led by RIDE, we are building a supportive network across Providence schools that directly addresses hunger and strengthens our entire community." 

“Addressing food insecurity in our city requires strong partnerships and direct action,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “By bringing food pantries directly to our schools, we are making it easier for our families to access nutritious food and combating food insecurity all while ensuring our students have the resources and support needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.” 

"FeedRI is proud to partner with PPSD, RIDE, and corporate partners to help stock pantry shelves across the city," said FeedRI Director Rhonda Lapham. "Locating food pantries inside schools meets families where they are and removes barriers for access."

The district's food pantry initiative began as a grassroots effort at Central High School, which served as the pilot location. Mount Pleasant High School became the second Providence high school to open a pantry, followed by elementary and middle school pantries. Today, FeedRI helps stock pantry shelves at 14 district schools, supported by major partners.