Food Pantry

Getting food is easy.

The Jonnycake Center of Westerly is proud to offer a client-choice service model for its Food Pantry.

Every 30 days clients have the option to come to our Pantry and select food for themselves (with the optional assistance of a Pantry volunteer)

Qualified residents of the towns of Westerly, Charlestown, Hopkinton, and Richmond, Rhode Island may receive a one week supply of food for their household every thirty days.

Groceries include milk, eggs, cheese, meat, bread, assorted produce, and a variety of non-perishable groceries.

Food Pantry

General Information

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HOW TO GET FOOD

 

When can I get food?

Mondays 12 – 2:45 pm
Tuesdays 9 – 11:45 am
Wednesdays 9 – 11:45 am
Thursdays 9 – 11:45 am & 3 – 5:45 pm
Fridays 9 – 11:45 am
Saturdays 9 – 11:45 am

 

How do I get food?

Contact our Social Services Department (401-377-8069 option 1) and sign up as a client for our Food Pantry.

Once every thirty days, you are welcome to come shop the Food Pantry at 23 Industrial Dr in Westerly. Our staff will be happy to assist once you arrive.

We value the health our community and we want to provide healthy nutritious foods to our clients. If you have dietary restrictions we have a section for that!

It normally takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Food requests are processed in the order in which they are received.

We request that you do not smoke in the back of the building out of respect for other clients, staff, and volunteers.

If you run out of food, you can visit the Social Services Department and request an emergency food supply to a last few days. They will also refer you to other local food pantries which you may use.

 

 

Where does the food come from?

The Giving Garden in Charlestown, RI

We are proud to grow our own organic produce every summer at the Giving Garden at Ninigret Park in Charlestown, RI. In 2020, the Jonnycake Center of Westerly began managing a “Giving Garden”, with the goal of strengthening community food security. The Giving Garden is a volunteer-based garden that sustainably grows fresh produce for our Food Pantry, with surplus produce donated to pantries of peer agencies.

We are proud to offer fresh, free, locally-grown produce. We believe that all people, regardless of economic circumstances, should have access to fresh, safe, and nutritious foods at all times.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank where we purchase a portion of the food we provide.

We partner with Farm Fresh RI, Yellow Farm House, Hopes Harvest, Hillandale Food Hub and local grocery stores (Walmart, Stop & Shop, Aldis & McQuades) to supply fresh produce, meat, and other essentials.

Additionally, many people in our community generously donate food, either individually or through local food drives.

 

SPECIAL FOOD PROGRAMS

Food Programs

Eligible families living in Westerly, Hopkinton, Charlestown or Richmond are encouraged to sign up through the Jonnycake Center of Westerly’s Social Services department. Call (401-377-8069 option 1) or Email SocialServices@jonnycake.org.

Power Pack

During the school year, clients with school aged children can shop our kid’s food department for nutritious weekend and school vacation meals. We provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks to help bridge the gap on weekends.

SPLASH Program

The Summer Program Looking to Alleviate Student Hunger (SPLASH) runs during the summer months. We offer an increased amount of groceries each week while kids are home for the summer.

Pet Food

We know that your pet is a member of your family too. Therefore, we have dog and cat food available in our Pantry. All of our pet food is donated from the generosity of the community and subject to availability.

Weekly Farmer’s Market 

During the summer season, the Jonnycake Center of Westerly operates a free community Farmer’s Market for neighbors in need. Fresh produce, including locally-grown fruits and vegetables, are offered at no cost. Service providers from peer social service agencies (URI Nutrition, URI SNAP Outreach, Head Start, Westerly Prevention, Habitat for Humanity, Parents as Teachers, 211 United Way & more!) are usually available as additional community resources.

Join us every Wednesday morning during the summer harvest season if you could benefit from free produce! Market begins at 9am every Wednesday (rain or shine) and lasts until supplies are gone, approximately 11am or 12pm.

Holiday Meals

New and returning clients are invited to participate in our holiday-time Adopt-a-Family program, which provides financial assistance for neighbors to purchase holiday meals and gifts for children. Distribution takes place in mid-November.

 

DONATE FOOD

Support your community with a donation to our Food Pantry!

Non-perishables and produce are accepted Monday – Friday between 9pm and 3pm in the loading dock behind our Food Pantry (located at 23 Industrial Drive in Westerly). Look for the big blue barrels!

Canned soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, coffee, tea and cereal are especially sought. We are grateful for any food donations you can provide!