CVS Health expands school-based food access in Rhode Island

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health is expanding its efforts to address food insecurity in Rhode Island by opening a new food pantry at Woonsocket High School.

Funded by CVS Health, the school-based pantry will provide nutritious food to more than two dozen families each month. CVS Health, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and FeedRI representatives joined students, teachers and community members to mark the opening.

“Today’s food pantry opening demonstrates what’s possible when the state, community organizations and corporate partners come together to support students and families,” said Angélica Infante-Green, commissioner. “Through these collaborations, we can remove barriers for families and create stronger opportunities for students to learn, grow and thrive.”

The initiative comes amid ongoing food insecurity affecting families across Rhode Island. More than 41,000 children in the state were enrolled in SNAP in 2025, according to the 2026 Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook.

“Food access is an important part of helping children and families succeed,” said Rhonda Lapham, executive director of FeedRI. “By bringing nutritious food directly into schools, we are making it easier for Rhode Island families to access the resources they need while creating a stronger support system around students.”

The Woonsocket pantry builds on an ongoing collaboration among CVS Health, RIDE, and FeedRI to expand school-based food access. The organizations have also supported the recent openings of pantries at Nathan Bishop Middle School and Roger Williams Middle School in Providence.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to come to school ready to learn, and access to nutritious food is an important part of that equation,” said Faith Weiner, executive director of corporate social responsibility and philanthropy at CVS Health. “CVS Health is proud to support the opening of this new food pantry at Woonsocket High School and help create healthier communities across Rhode Island.”