Farm Fresh Rhode Island packs Thanksgiving meal boxes for those in need

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Farm Fresh Rhode Island is on its third year of packing up Thanksgiving meal boxes with locally sourced ingredients for purchase. Now, donations are accepted for those in need this holiday season.

“Not only are these boxes a great way to be able to support local farms, but it is also a great way to feed your neighbors in need,” said Nikki Ayres, director of giving at Farm Fresh Rhode Island.

Farm Fresh is working directly with the Coventry Community Food Bank to reach their goal of donating half of the boxes to those in need, which will feed around 2,000 people this holiday season.

“It is a good feeling. We are getting a lot of food out there for the people that need it,” said Nelson Laboy, assistant warehouse manager at Farm Fresh.

The organization is doubling the amount of local food purchases from small farms this year.

“Being able to source this amount of food from farmers is huge during this time of year — this is the mad rush to be able to get rid of the last of food before it gets really cold,” said Ayres.

The Thanksgiving boxes are filled with ingredients sourced in Rhode Island and in Massachusetts.

“What is really fantastic is that we have seen some people who aren’t even buying a box for themselves, but just donating four at a time,” Ayres said.

Whether through donation or to purchase, boxes are $85 each and the order form closes on Monday, Nov. 6.