The sun had yet to break through the darkness on a brisk Saturday morning in late October, but the ELISHA project founder George Ortiz had already logged several miles walking the streets of Pawtucket. Long before the darkness began to fade, George—wearing a bright yellow coat that allowed him to stand out in the darkness—saw the long line of cars and stopped at each one. George spoke to each passenger and handed them a coveted ticket that would provide access to the Share Market. There, they would receive fresh meats and produce along with hygiene and household products.

“What we’re doing is sharing,” said George. “All I’m trying to do is help and let you know that people still care. We have to take care of each other.”

By 7 a.m., cars stretched from the ELISHA project headquarters in Pawtucket (formerly Apex) all the way to the end of Alfred Stone Road where Pawtucket crosses into Providence. By 8 a.m., the line had extended to Lincoln School on Providence’s East Side. The first person in line had arrived at 8 p.m. the night before and hadn’t budged, sleeping in his car overnight, determined to be the day’s first recipient of food and essentials so he could share with his friends and family members who weren’t able to attend the Share Market.

The ELISHA project holds Share Markets throughout the year, but the one this late October Saturday was special. It was held in response to the overwhelming number of calls the ELISHA project had received from communities and public officials when 140,000 Rhode Islanders were facing the loss of SNAP benefits. The Share Market was just one of several initiatives that are part of the ELISHA project’s broader effort to improve the lives of those who need it most in Rhode Island.

“The line is an explicit data point of where people are. We’ve always had lines, but we have never seen them like this,” said George.

Aided by dozens of volunteers including POC Founder Barbara Papitto, the ELISHA project distributed more than 50,000 pounds of fresh food, produce, hygiene products and household goods to 600 Rhode Island families in need.

“The ELISHA project does great work. They’ve been feeding people —and providing essentials— wherever there is a need in the state,” said Barbara.

In 2025 alone, EP is on track to distribute approximately 7.8 million pounds of culturally responsive food, furniture and essential supplies across RI’s urban core through share markets and other programs. Culturally responsive foods are safe, nutritious, and delicious options that align with a community’s cultural identity, preferences, and traditions.

In addition, through its recently established Bodega program, EP distributes 70,000 pounds of food and essential items to approximately 5,500 RI families in need in 14 bodegas located in schools and community organizations in Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket.

POC is proud to support the ELISHA project and the critical work the organization provides to all those in need in Rhode Island.

“The ELISHA project is phenomenal. POC has supported the ELISHA project for the last four years and is thrilled to be just a little piece of this,” said Barbara.