The Rhode Island Community Food Bank kicked off its annual Holiday Drive at a time when they are distributing 30% more food than in previous years due to the effects of COVID-19.

"Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we've seen a huge increase in the number of Rhode Islanders seeking food assistance," said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. "And we know that demand only increases during the winter months. We have a long road ahead of us."

This year, instead of asking people to collect food items, the Food Bank is asking everyone to donate funds so that they can purchase food in bulk, spreading every dollar even further.

"We're moving food in such large quantities that we're purchasing in bulk," said Schiff. "On the plus side, we're able to acquire food at substantial discounts and we can choose nutritious items that people need the most, especially during a public health crisis."

To kick off the Holiday Drive, Stop & Shop donated 1,000 frozen turkeys as part of the Turkey Express campaign they run every year throughout their footprint. These turkeys will be distributed immediately through the Food Bank's network to ensure that families receive them in time for Thanksgiving.

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank serves 68,000 people each month through its statewide network of 159 member agencies located from Westerly to Woonsocket.

For more information and to make a donation, visit: www.rifoodbank.org

About the Rhode Island Community Food Bank

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank distributes food to 68,000 struggling Rhode Islanders each month through a statewide network of 159 member agencies including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, youth programs and senior centers. This year, the Food Bank distributed 13.8 million pounds of food.