Once again, Shaw’s Supermarket has stepped up to support Tap-In’s efforts to address food insecurity and economic hardship in the East Bay.   

Barrington Shaw’s, through its Holiday Nourishing Neighbors Campaign, recently donated $12,800 to Tap-In.

“This generous donation in Shaw’s gift cards comes just as we are transitioning our food pantry to client free choice, meaning that our clients will be able to decide what they need, instead of receiving a pre-packed standard bag of groceries,” said Tap-In President Tirza Rivera-Cira. “The ability to also provide additional Shaw’s gift cards is absolutely an incredible bonus for the families we serve, so they can go to Shaw’s to supplement what they can get at Tap-In.”

Tap-In’s food director, Debbie Thurston, thanked the management and workers at Barrington Shaw’s.

“Shaw’s Barrington Store Director, Karen Medeiros, and her associates have continuously supported Tap-In achieve its mission,” Thurston said. “During the past year’s holidays, they again proved their commitment, as Shaw’s tireless cashiers urged customers to donate to Tap-In.”

Pascale Lord, Tap-In’s president elect, added “Also, we want to thank all Shaw’s customers for their donations to this holiday campaign.”

Karen Medeiros said she was proud that Shaw’s was able to help those in need.

“It is an honor to be a community partner and to support the work of Tap-In on the frontline of hunger relief,” Medeiros said. 

For almost 40 years, Tap-In, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, has been a valued resource for those suffering economic hardship in East Providence, Warren, Bristol and Barrington. Located at 281 County Road, it is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Tap-In serves an average of 376 families per month — an average of 957 individuals. Last year, Tap-In distributed 157,902 pounds of food (79 tons) to East Bay families in need.