By Christy Nadalin

Food pantries were already handling ever-increasing need in 2025. Now, with the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) uncertain, Bristol residents and organizations are acting to minimize the pain.

There are about 145,000 SNAP recipients in Rhode Island, and according to Ed Carusi, Bristol’s social services director, as of two weeks ago, 1,087 of those recipients live in Bristol.

“We’ve been concerned about these cuts for a while,” said Emily Mushen, executive director of the East Bay Food Pantry (EBFP). “Early last week we really started to ramp up preparations and encourage donations. The response has been amazing.”

Last Saturday’s scouting for food drive brought 10,000 pounds of food into the EBFP, which serves the entire East Bay. “Donati

See Full Page