“Nourishing Rhode Island: 100 Meals, One Purpose” — Local Restaurant and Plates with Purpose Unite to Feed Neighbors Impacted by SNAP Disruptions
Smithfield, RI — In response to the disruption of SNAP benefits, Plates with Purpose, a Rhode Island–based nonprofit dedicated to raising greater awareness about the food insecurity crisis in the state, has activated an emergency meal initiative in partnership with one of its earliest and most dedicated collaborators, blackie’s of Smithfield. Chef Angie Armenise and her team, will prepare 100 chef-crafted meals for vulnerable residents across Smithfield, Cranston, Coventry, East Greenwich, Foster, Johnston, North Providence, Scituate, and Warwick.
This collaborative effort—“Nourishing Rhode Island: 100 Meals, One Purpose”—will take place on Tuesday, November 11, bringing together volunteers, restaurant staff, and community partners for an uplifting day of action and compassion.
“Food insecurity doesn’t wait—and neither do we,” said Jennifer Capracotta, President and co-founder of Plates with Purpose. “When we learned how the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits could impact thousands of Rhode Islanders, we knew we had to respond quickly. This is about neighbors feeding neighbors, with dignity and care.”
Meals will be distributed through a network of trusted local partners who serve seniors, families with limited incomes and other individuals facing challenges accessing nutritious food. Chef Angie is preparing her grandmother’s cheesy BBQ meatloaf, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruit for a well-balanced, nutritious meal. Each meal is crafted with the same quality and care as in the restaurant—proof that compassion can be gourmet. “Sharing a meal from my own family’s table is my way of showing love and support to our neighbors,” said Chef Angie. “Everyone deserves nourishing food made with care, especially during challenging times.”
Her vision for this special meal was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of four food providers who responded without hesitation when asked to help. Every ingredient was donated by Roch’s Fresh Foods, DiLanna Food & Paper Products, Baldor Fine Foods, and The Chefs’ Warehouse—a true testament to the collective spirit of community care that makes initiatives like this possible.
Adding a pinch of local flavor, upstart sourdough bakery sweet & sourdō will be including their signature salted chocolate chip cookies for each family receiving a meal. "Everyone should have a little bit of sweetness in their lives, especially in the current climate," said Molly Noonan, owner of sweet & sourdō. "We’re honored to contribute something comforting to our neighbors during this challenging time."
The finishing touch: handwritten notes from members of the Junior Class at The Wheeler School in Providence. Their words of kindness and encouragement offer a reminder that every meal comes with more than nourishment—it comes with care.
A Milestone Moment for Plates with Purpose
This initiative also marks a meaningful milestone for the organization. “As we enter our fifth year of service in December, this collaboration with blackie’s carries special significance,” said Jennifer Fantozzi, co-founder of Plates with Purpose. “With the meals distributed today, we will reach our 10,000th meal—a goal we ambitiously set on Day 1 as a two-person team. It’s a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets collaboration.”
On what it means to work with the team at blackie’s, she notes that blackie’s has been a steadfast supporter of Plates with Purpose since its inception. Over the past four years, the restaurant has helped provide more than 3,000 meals to the community, bringing culinary expertise to feed their neighbors in need.
Their generosity extends far beyond the kitchen. blackie’s sponsors the Smithfield Hope Chest, a community food cabinet located at the Smithfield Senior Center, helping to maintain monthly restocks of shelf-stable food. The team also peer fundraises with Plates with Purpose during United Way’s annual 401 Gives event, leveraging their platform to rally community support for Rhode Islanders facing food insecurity.
“Our team has always believed that food brings people together,” said Jeanine Iannucci co-owner of blackie’s. “Partnering with Plates with Purpose allows us to turn that belief into direct impact. Every meal tells someone, ‘You matter. We care.’ It’s about showing up for our community—no strings attached.”.
About Plates with Purpose
Plates with Purpose is a nonprofit organization that partners with local restaurants and communities to combat food insecurity across Rhode Island. Through collaborative meal donations, community events, and emergency food initiatives, the organization works to ensure that everyone—regardless of circumstance—has access to a nourishing, dignified meal.
Learn more or donate at www.plateswithpurpose.org.