More than 70 families served during Portsmouth food bank’s first week

PORTSMOUTH — The town’s new emergency food bank that began distributing food at the St. Barnabas Church’s Parish Hall March 31 has seen an outpouring of generosity from people donating nonperishable food.

The parish hall is located in the lower parking lot of the church, 1697 East Main Road.

“The Food Bank has been holding its own in serving those in need,” said Wendy Bulk, the town’s staff coordinator for the food bank. “Last week, we provided the equivalent of over 160 meals to over 70 families from throughout the local area.” 

The food bank is staffed entirely by community volunteers who have been “exceptional,” she said. “They have designed a ‘drive-up’ process where there is no need for people to exit their vehicle. Volunteers ask for the number of people that are in need of food and pre-stocked bags are provided while minimizing individual contact and maximizing social distancing. I can’t say enough about the tremendous support from St. Barnabas.”

The town expects an increasing need to replenish the food bank throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Non-perishable, non-expired food Items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 401/643-0323 or e-mail portsmouthri.foodbank@gmail.com and leave a message if you need more information about donating food.

Food and food-related items needed include cereal, pancake mix, syrup, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, powdered milk, baked beans, canned fruit, pasta sauce, canned pasta, canned vegetables, canned tuna and chicken, crackers, Minute Rice packages, canned soups, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and grocery store gift cards.

Families in need can come to the food bank between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and follow the signs. A volunteer will meet you and bring food out to your car. People who are unable to get to the food bank during that period can call 401/643-0323 or e-mail portsmouthri.foodbank@gmail.com and a volunteer will get back to you within 24 hours to address your needs.

If you’d like to volunteer to accept food, re-stock the shelves or have the deliver food or pick up donations from those who cannot come to the food bank, call or e-mail with the days/times available and what you would be interested in doing.

Cash donations can be made by texting “pefb” to 555888, or at stbarnabasportsmouth.weshareonline.org.

Funds can also be donated by a checks payable to the “Town of Portsmouth.” (Note “Food Bank” on the check and either hand-deliver to the food bank or mail to Portsmouth Community Food Bank, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.)

For more Information, visit portsmouthri.com, or contact Wendy Bulk at the Portsmouth Town Hall by calling 401/787-0281 or e-mailing wbulk@portsmouthri.com.