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Welcome to Project Hand Up!
Be the
We are a Rhode Island-based nonprofit providing impoverished individuals and their families with food so they do not have to choose between eating and paying bills. Proudly serving hundreds of customers each week!
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About Us
A hand up, not a handout
Project Hand Up (PHU) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that helps people of all walks of life shop for groceries for a $6 donation that helps to stretch their paycheck, so they do not have to chose between eating and paying bills.
Our mission is to support those tackling challenging times with food assistance, no questions asked.
Your $6 donation helps ensure everyone can bring home groceries with dignity and respect.
PHU is not just for the homeless and the impoverished, it is for all. Many will not stand in a food pantry line and therefore go without. Times are tough for everyone and this program is a win-win, as we rescue food that would otherwise go to waste.
We are a nonprofit.
100% of our donations go back into the program and our community. We help 500+ families a week save hundreds on groceries.
We are volunteers.
From collecting donations, unloading trucks, repurposing, preparing bags to be loaded into each vehicle, and much more.
We are a food rescue.
We collect from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Ocean State Job Lot and more. Some of the food we offer is past its sell by date, but safe to eat.
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For Shoppers
How to obtain your groceries each week
Our shopping process is curbside pickup with no contact. You can shop once per week and for a $6 donation receive an assortment of perishables and nonperishables that far exceed the donation amount. We accept cash, credit, and debit.
Tuesdays 3:00β5:00pm for last name A β K
Thursdays 3:00β5:00pm for last name L β Z
Fridays 3:00β4:30pm for remaining shoppers
*We welcome 60+ & Veterans to shop any day we are open
Here's how it works:
Grab a Number
Enter the West Warwick Civic Center parking lot (100 Factory St, West Warwick, RI 02893) at the top of Factory St. AFTER 3PM on your shopping day. You will then be given a number and put into a car line in the Civic Center parking lot.
Get In Line
Please stay in your vehicle while waiting in line at the Civic Center. A volunteer will direct your car down the hill to Project Hand Up when your number is called.
Enter the Lot
Enter the parking lot of 15 Factory St, West Warwick, RI 02893, where more of our volunteers will guide you into line. Please have your $6 donation (We accept cash, credit, and debit) and your ID ready, as well as your appetite!
Collect Your Food
We offer contactless pickup. A volunteer will load groceries into your vehicle. We ask that you have your trunk cleaned out and do not leave your vehicle. If there is not enough room for the groceries,Β then we will only load what we can fit.
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Our Volunteers
Meet the Local Legends of Project Hand Up
Say hello to the loving souls who make our mission possible! From preparing to packaging to distributing, everything we do is a reflection of their hard work and selflessness.
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Customer Reviews
Praise for Project Hand Up
Our shoppers are more than just customers, they are family. Hear how PHU has made a difference for them!
When I first signed up for Project Hand Up the people were so nice and genuine and immediately welcomed me... Fun, inviting, helpful, itβs my new favorite place to be.
Kathleen G.
Shopper
A wonderful program to prevent food waste and helps many families acquire lots of groceries for only $6... Check out their Facebook for more details! Their volunteers are wonderful.
Viviana G.
Shopper
Come in and see for yourselves how much money you can save on food! Buy here first before you go to the market, you canβt go wrong.
Carol M.
Volunteer
PHU helps keep food on my table, and my pantry full... I truly appreciate the generosity of this organization, and everyone makes you feel welcome.
Amanda T.
Shopper
This site is well organized and the workers are friendly. I couldnβt believe all the wholesome fresh foods we get for a mere $6.00! I feel that my husband and I eat healthier.
Jeannine G.
Shopper
The amount of food you receive for just $6.00 is incredible. Everyone is welcome to shop once a week. No income or residency restrictions.
Mary H.
Volunteer
Project Hand Up is a place like I have never seen before... so welcoming and helpful to the community, no matter where you are from or whatever situation you are in.
Nancy A.
Shopper
Everyone who worked there was so helpful and friendly, made us feel human and not ashamed for needing extra help with the cost of food at a time like this.
Gissell B.
Shopper
A huge thank you to Project Hand Up. You've helped keep our refrigerator well-stocked, and food on our table during these challenging times.
Nicole V.
Shopper
Went there today and was amazed at both the friendliness of the volunteers and what I brought home for the money. Thank you so much for such an amazing resource.
Amy G.
Shopper
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Awards
And the winner is...
When your heart is in the right place, all else follows. We are blessed to have earned such amazing accolades in support of our community!
Families Helped Each Week
Food Products Rescued Daily
Volunteer Hours Weekly
Volunteers Joining the Cause
Communities Supported
Awards Won
15 Factory St, West Warwick, RI 02893
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Gandhi
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Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! Whether it's a question about our shopping process, discussing a donation, or a desire to volunteer, we invite you to use the contact form below to get in touch!