In March, West Warwick Public Library signed an MOU with Feed RI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives donations of food products to distribute to Rhode Island’s in-need residents. This new partnership is the pilot for the "Read and Feed" program, which Feed RI created after discussions with West Warwick Library staff, with the goal of rolling out the program to other libraries in the state.

At the end of March, the library took delivery of its first donation of food items from Feed RI which will now be used to help stock the Community Needs Pantry, which was established in 2022 through a LORI ARPA grant. This new partnership will help to ensure an ongoing and predictable supply of high-quality foodstuffs for individuals and families in West Warwick. The library has also been supported in addressing food needs by Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, Centreville Bank, Farm Fresh RI, and by donations from patrons.

The local community has many barriers to accessing healthful food options. In all of West Warwick, there is a single neighborhood grocery store and a plethora of “dollar stores”, three of which are within a five-minute walk from the library. For the past decade, the Youth Services department has been partnering with the West Warwick Public Schools, and last summer served over 1,400 free lunches to local children and teens. The library is also one of 13 libraries nationwide participating in the IMLS-funded Ready NOW: Supporting Youth and Families During Crisis initiative, with a focus on issues of food insecurity and healthy food choices.

(l-r) Maria Saillant (Language Programs Coordinator/Community Liaison), Rashaa Al-Sasah (Head of Youth Services), Jennifer Lima (Director of Operations, Feed RI), Caitlin Mendoza (Head of Circulation)