Graduate School

Food and Related Resources for Graduate Students

Breadcrumb

Food and Related Resources for Graduate Students

Brown University Resources

Emergency Funding (including Meal Gap)

Students experiencing acute food need can apply for support through the Graduate School’s E-Gap applications. For students in residence in Providence, credits for on-campus meals through the Meal Gap program (meal credits) may be provided for short-term, immediate needs. This form of support, the number of meals, and the period of time over which they will be provided will be determined on an individual basis after discussion between the student and Associate Dean. Because each student’s situation is different, there is no standard for when or how many meal credits are provided. 

Details

More detailed information about meal credits can be found on the Emergency Funding Programs webpage.

Emergency Funding Programs

UFunds

Emergency funding applications can be found in UFunds under ‘Graduate Student E-Gap Funds’. Students can expect to receive a response to their application within 2-3 business days. Funding is limited, but is open through the semester. 

UFunds

GSC-Sponsored Brown Market Shares Produce

The GSC partners with Brown Market Shares Program and the Graduate School to assist students facing food insecurity. Brown Market Shares Program connects the Brown and neighboring communities with weekly shares of local, sustainably-grown food.

Brown Meal Plan

Students can add a meal plan at any point in the semester. Dining Services offers a number of meal plans. Plans are also available during breaks. Please consult the Dining Services website for current information and FAQs.

Bear Market Food Exchange Pantry 

This small food exchange/pantry shelf is stocked by donations of non-perishable goods from the Brown community, and supplemented monthly by the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life. 

BrownU App

Opt-In Channel on Free Food: a daily message listing free food events at Brown. 

Local Options

Brown Market Shares and Produce in the Park by BMSP

Seasonal. Brown Market Shares, which has also partnered with Partnership for Providence Parks, runs market shares programs for fresh local produce distributed weekly, with full-cost shares and subsidized shares by application.

More information on Facebook

Email produce.park.p3@gmail.com

Project Hand Up

This program helps working people and those who receive a monthly check to shop for groceries, toiletries, and over-the-counter medication. During COVID-19, they are doing curbside pick-up of 3 bags of pre packaged groceries for $6 (1 bag of non perishable food, bread & pastry, 1 bag of fruits & veggies, & 1 bag of frozen, dairy & meat if they have it). Located in West Warwick, open 2:30-5:30 pm on: Tuesdays for last names beginning with A-K, Wednesdays for 55 and older, and Thursdays for last names beginning with L-Z.

Project Hand Up

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP)

Students who may be eligible include parents and non-stipended students who are also working for pay at least 20 hours per week and are under the income limits. Many other graduate students are likely not eligible, as students enrolled at least half-time at an institution of higher education are ineligible for SNAP, unless they meet one of the exceptions.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs

Active Food Pantries

Pantries on the East Side, Providence

  • Camp Street Ministries Pantry. 190 1/2 Camp Street, Providence, RI 02906. (401) 302-3973. Providence residents; Guests can visit weekly; Handicapped Accessible
  • First Unitarian Church Pantry. 1 Benevolent Street , Providence RI 02906. (401) 457-7149 Handicapped Accessible.
  • Our Lady of the Rosary Pantry. 17 Traverse Street, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 453-0174. Serves guests monthly.
  • JCS-Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Pantry. 1165 North Main Street, 1st Floor. Providence, RI  02904. (401) 621-5374. Pantry is for guests who require kosher diets; guests can visit 2x/month; street parking; Handicapped Accessible.

Refri-PVD

Refri is a community resource for anyone facing food insecurity. It is filled by local farmers, food organizations, and individuals. It is located at 705 Westminster Street, Providence, RI, outside of New Urban Arts.

Learn About Refri

Accessing Affordable Food Options

On Call Shuttle

The On-Call Shuttle will do pick-ups and drop-offs at a number of food and grocery stores, including East Side Marketplace, Stop & Shop, and Walmart.

View coverage map

RIPTA

RIPTA buses are free to all Brown ID card holders.

Discounts

East Side Marketplace (Fox Point, Pitman St, Providence), affiliated with Stop & Shop: Students receive a 5% discount everyday.

Financial Options

Emergency Funding

Students experiencing urgent financial need can apply for support through the Graduate School’s E-Gap Funds. Applications can be found in UFunds, under ‘Graduate Student E-Gap Funds’. 

UFunds

Short-Term Loan

Brown University Short-Term Loan Program is a zero interest loan of $500 made available to students to assist in emergencies.

Learn more About Emergency Funding Programs

Financial Aid

Master’s students (non-MFA) can find information about additional types of aid (e.g. loans) through the Office of Financial Aid.

Office of Financial Aid

Additional Resources