The Rhode Island Community Food Bank kicked off its annual Holiday Meals Drive on Nov. 15, inviting Rhode Islanders to participate by making a donation, starting a virtual fundraiser or hosting a food drive to support the organization.

To kick off the Food Bank’s annual holiday drive today, Stop & Shop donated 2,000 frozen turkeys as part of their Turkey Express campaign. These turkeys will be distributed immediately through the Food Bank’s network to ensure that families receive them in time for Thanksgiving.

“As we continue to see the devastating effects of inflation on Rhode Islanders, we’re doing everything we can at the Food Bank to meet the increased need for food assistance,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “We’re so grateful for the generosity of great corporate partners like Stop & Shop during this time.”

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank serves 63,000 people each month through its statewide network of 140 member agencies – up 20 percent from this time last year. This increase in need is the result of a sharp rise in costs for food, home heating oil, gas and rent, coupled with the end of many pandemic-era benefits that were keeping families afloat.

This year, the Food Bank is encouraging monetary donations over food donations, which can be stretched further to purchase healthy, nutritious staples for distribution to families in need across the state. For ways to get involved, visit: www.rifoodbank.org.