BankRI’s Food Drive Surges to Meet Growing Community Need – Warwick Beacon

Bank Rhode Island recently wrapped up a summer food drive, and the community really showed up to support families in need. They gathered an impressive 6,395 pounds of nonperishable food, surpassing last year’s total. This effort highlighted how much local customers and employees care.

In addition to food donations, BankRI generously awarded $1,000 grants to 13 local food pantries and contributed $5,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. This support is crucial, especially with rising food insecurity in the area.

Bank branches in Cranston collected food for the Comprehensive Community Action Program, while locations in Warwick partnered with Westbay Community Action. “This year’s food drive was one of our best yet, showing the kindness of our customers and staff,” said Will Tsonos, president and CEO of BankRI. It’s heartening to see the community unite during tough times.

The need for food assistance has never been more urgent. According to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, one in three households struggles with food insecurity. Over 89,000 people seek help each month, which is a record high. This growing concern has prompted initiatives like BankRI’s food drive.

Kate MacDonald, the food bank’s director of communications, expressed gratitude: “We’re so thankful for BankRI’s support. Right now, we face high demand and limited resources. Partnerships like this are vital for providing food to those in need.”

The six-week campaign began on July 7 and continued until August 15 across all 22 BankRI branches. Each branch teamed up with a local food pantry to ensure that every donation benefits those in the community directly.

Such efforts are not just regional; they reflect a larger trend across the United States. Many banks and businesses are stepping up to tackle local hunger issues. Statistics show a gradual increase in corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly in food insecurity awareness. According to a recent survey, 76% of consumers prefer to buy from companies that contribute to social causes directly impacting their communities. It’s encouraging to witness this social shift towards compassion and community care.

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