These Rhody Restaurants are Partnering to Serve Meals with a Side of Meaning

People and organizations are coming together in creative ways to feed those in need

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We’ve been awestruck with both the generosity and gumption shown by Rhode Islanders during this pandemic, particularly when it comes to providing the necessities for those who need or deserve it most. We have schools and churches dishing out meals so no kid goes hungry. Last month, we saw restaurants in Bristol and Providence step up to the plate and offer meals to essential workers. Now, that number continues to grow with restaurants and organizations banding together, regardless of their own industry struggles, to give back to the community that they’ve become a part of. 

 

In Providence, Troop is partnering with PVDonuts on May 15 to serve up meals (plus a donut, of course!) to healthcare workers and first responders. Then, an ongoing effort, ROOMS & WORKS, KNEAD Doughnuts, and Providence Kitchen Collaborative have teamed up as the “Cromwell Lunch Ladies” to not only provide meals (made and packaged in their West Side kitchens) but also help small food start-ups (Big Feeling, Brown Paper Bounty, HG80, Solid Gold, Weenie Wizard) get back into the groove with commercial kitchen space and work opportunities. In their first week, through an initial donation by ROOMS & WORKS, these not-so-average lunch ladies supplied 500 meals, and with hope to provide 300 more per week for the next 10 weeks with support through its GoFundMe page.

 

Hudson Street Deli is spreading the love – with sandwiches. The Providence eatery is partnering with local nonprofits like OpenDoors RI and House of Hope CDC in Warwick that help combat food insecurity. With a goal of at least 100 meals per day, they prep bundles of sandwiches with sides, chips, and a drink for those who need them. Donate $10 on their GoFundMe page to help not only provide a meal, but also keep six of their workers employed and a local restaurant alive. 

 

PVD Food Trucks thank first responders and healthcare workers when you order a special $5 meal that goes to essential workers in hospitals, medical facilities, and the everyday fight against COVID-19. Participating mobile eateries include Atomic Blonde Ice Cream, Basil & Bunny, Bonetown Burgers & BBQ, Buddha Belly, Friskie Fries, Haven Brothers, GottaQ BBQ, JA Patty, Kona Ice, Ocean Grove Burrito Bar, Poppy’s Kettlecorn & Waffles, Presto Strange O Coffee Truck, Shishkaberry’s of New England, Supa Dupa Food Truck, and Union Burrito

 

Meals with a Mission is the initiative formed between The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation and Encore Hospitality Group (owner of Mill’s Tavern and Red Stripe restaurants). The program provides prepared meals to frontline workers, first responders, and vulnerable communities. On National Nurse Appreciation Day, they delivered nearly 500 meals to Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. They continue to supply thousands of meals to places like Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence Police and Fire Departments, and the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Those interested may email K.Turner@MillsTavernRestaurant.com

 

Narragansett favorite Crazy Burger Cafe & Juice Bar helps BRU RI Coffee Bar serve complimentary coffee to the community, setting up shop at the local high school for Teacher Appreciation Day or serving cups to essential workers at South County Hospital. 

 
Iron Works in Warwick not only donated and delivered over 100 meals to local police and fire departments, plus Kent Hospital, but they are offering 20 percent discount on takeout orders for frontline workers through the end of August. 

Know of more meaningful meals being dished out in your community? Reach out to Megan@ProvidenceOnline.com and we’ll add it to the list!

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