Food has the power to connect communities, nourish bodies, and fuel change. This philosophy is put into practice by our partners at Food Not Bombs Providence (FNB), a volunteer-run organization that shares free, nutritious meals every Sunday in the heart of the city. Since 2020, Farm Fresh RI’s partnership with FNB has helped add over 1,400 pounds of fresh produce to their meals, ensuring that people across Providence have access to nourishing, locally-sourced food.
Food Not Bombs Providence is a chapter of the international Food Not Bombs movement. Guided by the belief that food is a right, not a privilege, FNB feeds people healthy, vegetarian meals prepared and served entirely by volunteers.
Their meal serves, which take place at Kennedy Plaza every Sunday from 2-4 pm, bring a sense of stability and comfort to roughly 100 people each week. These meals, often potluck style, are made by community members in their homes or shared kitchens, and are a reflection of the collective effort to alleviate food insecurity in Providence.
Charlotte, an active FNB volunteer since 2021, emphasizes that beyond the food, the relationships built with those they serve are equally important. “We love to hear people’s stories, we love to get to know our regulars,” she shares. This connection fosters a welcoming environment, allowing individuals to feel seen and heard—no questions asked.
The fresh produce the Hope’s Harvest team at Farm Fresh RI recovers from local farms adds variety and nutrition to their meals. Charlotte notes that having colorful, fresh greens and local produce makes a big difference to those they serve. “People really appreciate the fresh apples we get from Farm Fresh,” she says. “They can tell the difference between apples from a random food service and apples from a local farm.”
Over the past two years, the pounds of food Farm Fresh RI has been able to share with FNB has grown significantly. With this support, FNB is able to serve full meals throughout the entire 2-4 pm time window, filling three tables with nutritious options.
Looking ahead, Food Not Bombs Providence is on the hunt for a permanent kitchen space, and we’re excited to continue supporting their work. If you’d like to get involved, follow them on Instagram to learn more about volunteer opportunities and to find other ways to support FNB.
As we deepen our collaboration with Food Not Bombs, we remain committed to fighting food insecurity, reducing food waste, and strengthening our community, one meal at a time.
