Mouths to Feed: With schools closed, local restaurants help fulfill a need

Many Rhode Island children receive a bulk of their daily calories from free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches they receive at school. One of the challenges of closing schools for an extended period of time is making sure kids are fed. School districts across the state have planned grab-and-go meals for students to pick up at certain designated locations. Contact your local school district for information about these locations.

In addition to school districts’ plans, local restaurants are helping to feed kids during this time.

UMelt (129 Weybosset St, PVD) will offer a classic grilled cheese, a cup of soup, an apple and a bottle of water to all pre-k through 12 students on weekdays while schools are closed.

Matunuck Oyster Bar (629 Succotash Rd, South Kingstown) will offer children’s menu items free to students while schools are closed.

KFC (421 Putnam Pike, Greenville; 25 Newport Ave, Rumford; 822 Reservoir Ave, Cranston; 824 Tiogue Ave, Coventry) Email lisa@teamapplevalley.com for a meal voucher for kids out of school.

Trinity Brewhouse (186 Fountain St, PVD) Kids under 12 dine in for free. UPDATE: As of March 16, these meals are offered through curbside takeout.

Duke Kitchen and Spirits (1839 Smith St, North Providence) Between 11am and 2pm, kids can get a free personal cheese or pepperoni pizza. Kids must be present to participate.

Pacquette’s Family Restaurant (315 Waterman Ave, East Providence) From March 17 – 20, kids get a free meal off the kid’s menu with the purchase of an adult meal.

GottaQ SmokeHouse BBQ: (2000 Mendon Rd, Ste 10, Cumberland) Free bagged lunches are available to kids in need and will include a ham and cheese or roast beef and cheese sandwich (gluten-free bread available), a bag of chips, fruit, and water or juice.

Motif will update this list as necessary. If you know of other restaurants helping to feed kids while schools are closed, please email that information to news@motifri.com