As summer enters its final weeks, food pantries across the state are preparing for the high demand they experience during September. In an effort to help emergency food programs re-stock their shelves, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) branches statewide will host a food drive beginning August 1.

In Warwick, the bank’s three local branches will collect in support of the Westbay Community Action Program food pantry, with all donations going to help feed area residents. The effort runs until September 20, and represents the 12th

straight year BankRI has organized its drive to coincide with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s Summer Food Drive.

“We recognize the importance of helping local food pantries, and especially at a time when summer feeding programs are ending and kids lack access to the meals they receive in school,” said Mark J. Meiklejohn, president and CEO, BankRI. “Our food drive is a way for the community to join us in lending a hand – every donation helps to make a difference.”

During the drive, food collection bins will be placed in each BankRI branch lobby for donations of nonperishable items. The family- and kid-friendly foods most needed by pantries include, peanut butter, nutritious breakfast cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese, and whole-wheat pasta and tomato sauce. All 15 of the benefiting food pantries are members of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s network.

“We’re thrilled that BankRI is stepping up for the 12th year to support our Summer Food Drive,” said Andrew Schiff, CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “We hope that everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to help our neighbors in need by bringing food donations to their nearby BankRI branch.”

Along with the food collected in its branches, BankRI has committed a $4,500 contribution to the Food Bank on behalf of its food pantry partners. The gift will provide each pantry a grant to purchase additional food through the Food Bank’s leveraged acquisition program at the times they need it most.

BankRI’s Warwick branches are located at 265 Jefferson Boulevard, 1300 Warwick Avenue, and 2975 West Shore Road. For hours of operation, please visit www.BankRI.com/locations.