SENIOR CENTER FOOD PANTRY OPENS

MIDDLETOWN, RI (APRIL 1, 2026) – The Food Pantry at the Middletown Senior Center is officially open.

Looking to serve the needs of local residents over 60 and Senior Center members, close to 100 people celebrated the ribbon cutting Wednesday morning for the new operation at 654 Green End Ave.

Crediting the Senior Center Board of Directors, volunteers and the community itself, Senior Center Director Arleen Kaull said the food pantry was fulfilling a longtime goal.

The operation will be open  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am - 2 pm, with a maximum of two visits per month allowed. 

“We need to do more for our seniors,” Kaull said, standing outside the pantry under overcast skies. “When you go inside, we think it turned out beautifully and there are so many people to thank for  making this day happen.”

Kaull’s brother — Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues — said unfortunately in today’s world, the margins are tighter than ever before for many residents, including seniors.

Crediting Kaull, her lieutenant Chris Johnson and the volunteers who helped make Wednesday’s event a reality, Rodrigues said the food pantry was another example of Middletowners looking after Middletown.

“I hate to say it, but all of us are one health problem or issue away from a financial crisis,” Rodrigues said. “Every little bit helps and I want to thank the Senior Center for helping our community in need.”

A tour of the facility showed the food pantry was well stocked with every essential item as well as little extras like M&M candies and the like. There was also a healthy supply of food for pets and other basics to help.

Kaull said everyone she’s spoken to has been supportive of the pantry, which was not intended to take away from existing supports, but supplement them as much as possible. The Middletown Rotary Club and Salvation Army of Newport were named specifically for their efforts.  

The food pantry is housed in two formerly unused offices in the front of the former Peckham School next to the Senior Center. A good portion of the rest of the old school is occupied by the Thrift Shop at the Middletown Senior Center.

For a number of attendees, Wednesday’s  ribbon cutting was like a trip down memory lane. Many shared they went to the school and had fond memories of time spent growing up there.

Kaull said it was great to put another part of the building back into use, particularly for such a worthy and rewarding cause.

“It’s small, but it’s a step forward and we will grow, I have no doubt about that,” Kaull said. “To see how everyone has responded to the food pantry and what we’re trying to do is unbelievable. Everybody needs a little helping hand sometimes.”

Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Ribbon

About Middletown

The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.

Media Contact

Matt Sheley

Public Affairs Officer

401-842-6543

msheley@middletownri.gov