BankRI Branches to Serve as Collection Sites for the
Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s Summer Food Drive


Food Bank facing unprecedented demand with families hit hard by unemployment



Providence, R.I. – July 2, 2009 – Bank Rhode Island’s (BankRI) network of 16 branches will serve as drop off sites for the collection of non-perishable food items until Friday, August 28. Donations such as canned soups, stew or chili, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, rice and tuna are encouraged and will aid needy Rhode Islanders as part of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s 2009 Summer Food Drive.

Officials hope to raise 200,000 pounds of food from the effort, with donations reaching every Rhode Island community through the Food Bank’s network of 285 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other emergency programs. BankRI will accept donations during normal business hours with collection bins placed in branch lobbies. BankRI has branches in Cranston, East Greenwich, East Providence, Johnston, Lincoln, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, Smithfield, Warwick and Woonsocket.

“While the summer months are typically a time of year characterized by vacations and barbecues, it is also a time distinguished by hunger for thousands of low income families,” said Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Andrew Schiff. “We are thankful for the generous support of BankRI, whose branch locations will make donating more convenient for the public.”

Contrary to popular belief, summer is the Food Bank’s neediest time of year as most Rhode Islanders make their donations closer to the holidays. Additionally, many children skip meals during the summer months, meals that would otherwise be provided by federal school breakfast and lunch programs.

This year, the need is not limited to the poor. One in eight Rhode Islanders is currently unemployed, which has produced unprecedented demand from middle class families. In fact, beginning in October 2008, the Food Bank’s network of agencies began providing more than 1 million meals per month, a Rhode Island Community Food Bank record.

“We are urging employees, customers and all Rhode Islanders to join us in helping the Food Bank meet this unprecedented demand,” said BankRI President & CEO Merrill W. Sherman. “Working families are feeling the pinch more than ever, especially the tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders who have lost their jobs and are unable to find work. We welcome and thank our customers and the public for any food items they would be willing to donate.”

Those interested in donating can call (866) 4-BANKRI toll free or visit www.bankri.com to find specific branch locations and business hours.