It’s impossible to ignore the growing crisis of food insecurity across the country. Today, 42 million people in the United States rely on SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, in effect since 1961. Here in Rhode Island, 145,000 residents depend on SNAP, including more than 1,200 individuals in Newport alone.

With local food pantries and food banks across Rhode Island and Massachusetts already stretched thin due to rising food costs, the temporary halt of SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown has made an already urgent situation even more severe.

Our Response: A 24/7 Pop-Up Pantry in Portsmouth

At Homes By Connect, we approach our work—and our community—with empathy. Many of us have experienced food insecurity firsthand or know someone who has. That perspective led us to ask a simple question: What can we do right now to help?

With some quick collaboration, our team launched a 24-hour pop-up food pantry right here at our brokerage in central Portsmouth.

• Stocked with baby food, pantry staples, dry goods, canned items, and household essentials
• Open around the clock for anyone who needs support
• Supported by community donations, client contributions, and local generosity

After spreading the word through social media and signage at our office, the response was immediate. Neighbors, clients, and friends stepped forward—dropping off bags, boxes, and generous donations that have helped keep the pantry stocked and accessible for anyone who needs it.

Thanksgiving Dinner Donations with Farm Fresh RI

This season, we’re also proud to partner with Farm Fresh Rhode Island to provide Thanksgiving dinner boxes to 13 local families. Each box offers enough food to serve six to eight people and includes fresh, locally sourced ingredients from New England farms.

The meals will be distributed through two community partners doing vital work every day:

• Jonnycake Center for Hope
• Progreso Latino

Local Organizations Leading the Fight Against Hunger

We’re honored to play a small role, but many organizations across Aquidneck Island work tirelessly to serve our neighbors year-round, including:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (Newport)
• Aquidneck Community Table / Aquidneck Food Pantry (Portsmouth)
• Leonard Brown House Pop-Up Pantry (Portsmouth)
• St. Joseph’s Food Pantry (Newport)
• St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (Newport)
• Jamestown Community Food Pantry

These organizations—and the countless volunteers behind them—form the backbone of local hunger relief.

Connection, Collaboration, and Care

Our Homes By Connect culture is rooted in Communication, Collaboration, and Connection. Whether we’re helping families navigate a real estate decision or supporting neighbors through difficult times, we believe in showing up for our community in meaningful ways.

Our ongoing message remains simple:
“If you need, please take. If you are able, please give.”

If you’re reading this, we hope our story inspires you to look for ways—big or small—to support your own community. Together, we can help ensure that no one is left behind during these challenging times. 

Read more about some of our favorite non-profits on our Connect Cares page.