Crossword Genius

Source of food for which we have to thank Providence? (5,6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rhode island red

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'source of food for which we have to thank providence?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

This is the entire clue.

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(Other definitions for rhode island red that I've seen before include "Chicken breed" , "possible victim of battery" , "Fowl" , "American Communist" , "New England communist" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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