Thanksgiving food drives assembling donations for RI families in need

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — After a protracted political and legal back and forth over SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, families still need assistance, especially with the coming Thanksgiving holiday.

Several local groups are working to make sure Rhode Island families have a meal on the table next Thursday.

Boys Town New England will be in Warwick Thursday putting together Thanksgiving meals for residents in need.

The event will be at the Newport Restaurant Group facility, giving out bags containing produce, canned items and Thanksgiving sides.

The Metro Center Boulevard event will run from noon to 1 p.m.

Higher Ground International will host its annual Traditional West African and Ethnic Thanksgiving Food Distribution event in Providence Thursday.

The event aims to provide comfort foods to immigrant and underserved communities in Rhode Island.

It starts at 10 a.m. at the organization’s headquarters on Ninigret Avenue.