Warwick police hold food drive initiative

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) – The Warwick Police Department, in conjunction with the Warwick Police Department’s Family Group have teamed up to partner with West Bay Community Action in holding a food pantry program.

“As we head into November, we realize that many citizens in our communities are under more stress this year due to the pandemic and economic challenges. As such, food insecurity has become a very real factor for many in Warwick and the surrounding areas”, said the Department in a statement.

The West Bay Community Action agency typically averages 70-100 curbside pickups daily, and between the months of March and September, have assisted over 5,000 households with emergency food.

Warwick police are asking for canned goods and non-perishable food.  All donations can be dropped off to the Warwick Police Headquarters lobby, inside of the designated bins.  The donations will also be accepted at the Department’s next food drive event on November. 14.

The Warwick Police Department held their first food drive initiative on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Our officers, our families.  It’s a great day.  It’s an opportunity for us to sit down and say, ‘OK, how can we give back and return that support we’ve been receiving’, realistically since March”, said Warwick police Chief Rick Rathbun.

Warwick Police have also announced that they will be challenging the community to ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ with canned goods and non-perishable food at several local grocery stores throughout Warwick.

To take part in the food pantry initiative, or participate in ‘Stuff a Cruiser’, Warwick police will be holding their next event on November 14 from 1-4 p.m. at Stop and Shop in Meadowbrook Plaza, as well as at Dave’s Market on West Shore Road.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020