R.I. Food Bank launches annual holiday drive with turkey donations

REPRESENTATIVES FROM Stop & Shop and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank display some of the 1,000 turkeys donated by the supermarket as part of the food bank’s holiday food drive. / COURTESY RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Community Food Bank kicked off its annual Holiday Food Drive last week and invited Rhode Islanders to participate by collecting food or donating funds to support the organization.

“Although the economy is improving, we are still seeing so many individuals and families struggling to put food on the table,” food bank CEO Andrew Schiff said in a news release. “At this time of year, we rely on the generosity of our friends and supporters to help us collect food and funds for our neighbors in need.”

To get the food drive started, the Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. donated 1,000 frozen turkeys as part of the company’s Turkey Express campaign. These turkeys will be distributed immediately through the food bank’s network to ensure families receive them in time for Thanksgiving.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank serves 53,000 people each month through its statewide network of 168 member agencies. A recent survey revealed that 66% of the households visiting food pantries include a child or senior adult.

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This year’s list of most-needed items includes: peanut butter, whole-wheat pasta, tuna, brown rice, canned and dried beans, boxed macaroni & cheese, canned soups and stews, granola bars, canned fruits and vegetables, tomato sauce, breakfast cereals and extra-virgin olive oil.

For ways to get involved and donation drop-off locations, visit www.rifoodbank.org.

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