SNAP Outreach Toolkit

DHS is currently partnering with community organizations to help Rhode Islanders learn about the availability, application process, eligibility requirements and benefits of SNAP. Listed below is their contact information.

These community organizations provide application assistance (online or paper) and answer questions about SNAP as well as help with reporting changes, the completion of recertifications, interim reports and other matters related to SNAP benefits.

At the bottom of the community partner list is a tab where you can find informational materials about SNAP.

All subrecipients listed below follow federal regulations protecting Civil Rights. They comply with the following:

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of, race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

SNAP Outreach Vendors

The following are the names of the SNAP Outreach vendors, their target audience, service areas and contact information. 

Center for Southeast Asians (CSEA)

The most critical target population is low-income, nonparticipating Rhode Islanders who are Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian and Vietnamese who may qualify for SNAP, but services will also be provided to other cultures including a sizable Latinx community and new refugees from war-torn countries, such as Syria, Burma, Bhutan, Liberia, and Nigeria. Additionally, people who may be taking part in SNAP but have questions or need help understanding or responding to program notices or paperwork requirements.

The Subrecipient will focus on activities in the following service areas: Statewide with the highest concentration of Southeast Asian communities in Providence, Cranston, Warwick and Woonsocket.

Main: 401-274-8811

Connect for Health/Lifespan (The Miriam Hospital)

The most critical target population is low income non-participating Rhode Islanders, including current C4H/(Lifespan) patients who may qualify for SNAP. Services will also be provided to patients who may be taking part in SNAP but have questions or need help understanding or responding to program notices or paperwork requirements.

Connect for Health is part of the Community Health Institute, which is a department of Lifespan corporate and operates across all of the Lifespan affiliates. The activities described in the work plan will be performed for/with Lifespan patients and providers across C4H sites, regardless of the hospital at which the patient is accessing services. C4H serves 4 primary clinics: Hasbro Pediatric Primary Care and Adolescent Clinics and Rhode Island Hospital’s Center for Primary Care and Medicine Pediatrics Clinics. Additionally, C4H has pilot sites with Lifespan’s Systems of Care, Lifespan’s Cardiovascular Institute, and House of Hope – a community organization. Connect for Health and the Lifespan Community Health Institute live under the Lifespan umbrella. Lifespan services are offered statewide and clientele are from across the State of RI. 

The subrecipient will focus on activities in the following service area: Greater Providence, including Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Cranston. However, services are available to anyone who is screened by or enrolls in Connect for Health and is a resident of the state of Rhode Island.

NOTE: Factual SNAP informational resources will also be provided to internal Lifespan, Lifespan, and affiliate providers (stakeholders) including but not limited to doctors, social workers, medical students, case workers, and community health workers along with information about C4H (Lifespan) SNAP Outreach activities so referrals may be made to C4H (Lifespan) staff for potentially eligible and interested patients.

Main: 401-444-8009

Genesis Center

The most critical target population is low-income nonparticipating Rhode Islanders, including current and future students and clients of the Genesis Center who may qualify for SNAP, but services also will be provided to people who may be taking part in SNAP but have questions or need help understanding or responding to program notices or paperwork requirements. Speakers of languages other than English.

The subrecipient will focus on activities in the following service areas: Greater Providence, including Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and Cranston. However, Genesis Center serves students from throughout the State.

Main: 401-781-6110

mRelief

mRelief is introducing a SNAP eligibility screener via text and on a mobile-friendly website. Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 74544. By answering a few simple questions, anybody can see if they might likely meet the basic requirements to qualify for SNAP benefits. Anyone who wants assistance learning more about SNAP or with filling out an application may opt to connect to a local community partner. Here are the steps:

• Step 1. With a smartphone, text FOOD or COMIDA to 74544 or visit mRelief’s mobile-friendly website here
• Step 2. Answer a few questions to learn whether you might likely be eligible for RI SNAP benefits
• Step 3. Those who screen likely eligible have the option to apply on their own or with assistance with the support of a community partner.

ONE Neighborhood Builders (OneNB)

The most critical target population is low-income nonparticipating Rhode Islanders throughout Central Providence neighborhoods who may qualify for SNAP, but services will also be provided to people who may be taking part in SNAP but have questions or need help understanding or responding to program notices or paperwork requirements.

The subrecipient will focus on activities in the following service area: Central Providence with a particular emphasis on providing bilingual SNAP informational and application assistance.

Main: 401-633-2047

RI Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC)

The most critical target population is low income RIABGC nonparticipating current and new applicants who may qualify for SNAP, but services will also be provided to people who may be taking part in SNAP but have questions or need help understanding or responding to program notices or paperwork requirements.  The Clubs will target the families they directly serve as well as non-member families at its school-based and public housing sites and families served through broader community outreach and partnerships, including through Health Equity Zone partnership referrals, in conjunction with Mentor Rhode Island, its local prevention coalitions, through the Newport partnership for families, through Working Cities partner agencies, through public library partners, and the police athletic leagues.

The subrecipient will focus on activities in the following service area: Statewide. 

Participating clubs

• East Providence: (401) 434-6776
• Providence: (401) 444-0750
• Warwick: (401) 467-4385
• Newport County: (401) 847-6927
• BGC of Northern RI, Cumberland: (401) 333-4850
• BGC of Northern RI, Woonsocket: (401) 766-9242

United Way of RI/211

The most critical target population is low income non-participating Rhode Islanders who may qualify for SNAP, but services will also be provided to people who may be taking part in SNAP but have questions or need help understanding or responding to program notices or paperwork requirements. All activities will minimally include four targeted activities during the contract term (one per quarter) for each of the following priority populations: Veterans, students, immigrant communities i.e., mixed status families and historically underserved communities, to include, but is not limited to, Latino and black adults (racial equity). Activities will also target community partners and employer partners in a collaborative effort to achieve heightened SNAP informational messaging across demographics and geographic locations.

The sub recipient will focus activities in the following service area: Rhode Island - Statewide.

Main: (401) 519-0360 or Dial: 211