Food Security Programs

In order to make sure each student at RISD is able to access food to sustain themselves, we offer food security programs to help minimize the financial strain on students in need.

Swipe it Forward

The Swipe it Forward assistance program helps students access the dining venues with donated swipes or dining points. To get a meal through the Swipe it Forward Program, contact one of the following offices on campus:

Student food pantry

Located on the third floor of 20 Washington Place, the student food pantry is a self-service resource stocked entirely with donations from the RISD community. No appointments necessary—just stop by and grab what you need.

Make a donation

If you are in the position to help a student in need, you can donate Met Swipes to go toward the Swipe it Forward program, or donate money or physical items to the food pantry.

Student donations

Students with a dining allotment associated with their campus housing or off-campus meal plan may donate points at any dining venue and we will stock the shelves with staple items. Items for which we have the greatest need include peanut butter, tuna fish, soups, rice, canned vegetables, and beans. Let the cashier know you would like to donate points to the student food pantry; you may choose to donate one, three, or five points per donation, for up to four donations per year.

If you have extra meal or guest swipes on your meal plan, you can also donate them to the Swipe It Forward program. Keep an eye out in the dining venues for our donation drives throughout the year.

Faculty and staff donations

For RISD employees who want help, you can donate nonperishable food items to the donation bin in the lobby of 20 Washington Place. Useful donations include: canned meats or fish, canned vegetables, canned fruits, boxed meals, snack bars, peanut butter, soups, pasta, rice, grains, cooking oils, nuts and seeds, breakfast cereals, powdered milk, dried spices, and pet food.