Bank Collects 3,100 Pounds of Food for E.P. Pantry

The food pantry operated by the East Bay Community Action Program in Riverside received more than 3,100 pounds of food in late summer through a collection program run at Bank Rhode Island’s offices on South Broadway and Taunton Avenue.

The food drive ran from the first week in August through the third week of September. That time period coincides with a time when many families struggle to make ends meet while preparing to send kids  back to school, according to BankRI. 

The two branches partnered with the local food pantry to ensure that all of the food collected would feed area residents. In addition to the food collected at the branches, BankRI awarded each pantry a financial grant, which will help them acquire additional food to stock their shelves.

“The success of this year’s food drive is a direct result of the generosity of our customers and colleagues who recognize the importance of helping others,” said Mark J. Meiklejohn, president and CEO of BankRI. “Being able to help local pantries during a time when the need further increases will have a tremendous impact on thousands of local families. Food is the most basic of all needs – there’s no reason for anyone in our community to go without a nutritious meal.”