A food pantry has opened at Providence's Juanita Sanchez Education Complex through a partnership between the school district and FeedRI, with sponsorship from the Providence Bruins.
The district announced the opening Oct. 2 after a ribbon-cutting with education leaders, city officials and community partners. The announcement describes school-based pantries as a way to bring food access closer to students and their families.
FeedRI helps stock shelves at 14 district schools, according to the district. The district says its school pantry initiative began at Central High School before expanding to Mount Pleasant High School and elementary and middle schools.
The district says 71.8% of its students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
The district developed the pantry network with partners including the Rhode Island Department of Education, Gil's Appliance, the Papitto Opportunity Connection, CVS Health and Stop & Shop.
FeedRI Director Rhonda Lapham said in the announcement that locating pantries inside schools helps remove barriers for families seeking food.