BankRI Kicks Off Food Drive at all Branches Statewide as Hunger in Rhode Island Reaches Alarming New Heights

Food collected in each branch will remain local to help residents in that community

With food insecurity continuing to rise across the Ocean State, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) is once again stepping up to support neighbors in need through its annual summer food drive. Beginning today, Monday, July 7, and continuing through Friday, August 15, all 22 BankRI branches will collect donations of nonperishable food items to help local families.

This year’s effort comes at a critical time, prompting BankRI to begin its collection earlier than previous years. Right now, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank reports serving more than 89,000 people each month—an all-time high driven by the high cost of essential items and increasing demand at food pantries across the state.

“No one in our community should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Will Tsonos, President and CEO, BankRI. “The unprecedented need right now is extremely troubling, and it calls on all of us who are able to act. By opening our branches as food collection sites, we hope to make it easier for people to give and to help ensure Rhode Islanders have the support they need.”

For BankRI’s summer food drive, each branch has partnered with a local food pantry so donated food stays in the community where it’s collected, helping residents put meals on the table. Each branch features collection bins in their lobby to accept donations of nonperishable food. Among the items most needed are: peanut butter, tuna, canned and dried beans, nutritious breakfast cereals, rice, canned chili, soups and stews, pasta, tomato sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, and macaroni and cheese.

A total of 13 food pantries have partnered with BankRI and will benefit from the five-week food collection and the generosity of their local community.

“We’re so grateful for BankRI’s support of the Food Bank,” said Kate MacDonald, Director of Communications, RI Community Food Bank. “We’re currently serving more people each month than ever before. It is only through the generosity of loyal partners and supporters like BankRI that we can address the staggering need for food assistance in Rhode Island.”

For a list of BankRI branches, their address and hours of operation, visit BankRI.com/locations.