“The problem was big, but our community was bigger.” – Denise Green, ED, West End Community Center
Throughout most of 2025, Providence’s West End Community Center food pantry, a member agency of the Food Bank, was running at capacity. New guests were arriving each month, and families who had previously relied on the pantry only occasionally were turning to the Center for support more regularly.
But during the fall federal government shutdown, demand surged beyond anything Denise Green, executive director of 8 years, had seen before. When uncertainty around SNAP benefits set in, pantry attendance quickly doubled.
On the busiest days, as many as 200 people lined up for food, with guests arriving earlier and earlier. Increased pantry use meant a strain on food supplies, which meant difficult conversations about food availability, portion sizes that fit family size, and frequency of visits. Staff worked continuously to reassure guests while managing a pantry stretched thin.
“The hardest part wasn’t keeping up with the demand,” Denise recalled. “It was trying to manage people’s fear and uncertainty when we didn’t have answers ourselves.”
But the west end community responded in powerful ways. Local churches and neighborhood groups organized food drives. Donors new and old called out of the blue, offering support. Partners in the for-profit sector stepped in with contributions. And guests themselves found ways to help, carrying boxes, offering encouragement, and even bringing homemade food from their own limited supplies to thank the staff.
“Seeing guests help restock shelves or take out the trash because they knew how busy we were is something that really stuck with me,” Green recalled.
Despite the strain, the pantry never closed its doors or let anyone leave empty handed. Working closely with the Food Bank, the West End Community Center’s strong operational structure held even as the crisis mounted, allowing the team to continue serving people with dignity and consistency. We’re so grateful to our partners there for taking such good care of our community during a difficult time.
