This generous grant demonstrates BJ’s commitment to the community and its food-insecure residents.”

Mary Anne Crittenden, president of the food pantry

PORTSMOUTH — The Aquidneck Food Pantry (AFP) — formerly St. John’s Lodge Food Bank — has been rewarded a significant financial boost to help local families in need.

The pantry has been selected to receive a $15,000 grant by BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. as part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebration. 

Funding through BJ’s Charitable Foundation will support the AFP’s Fresh Food Initiative, a program designed to provide healthier dietary options, in the form of fresh meats and produce, to its patrons. The funds will be used to procure fresh food on a sufficient and sustained basis to serve the community and to strengthen relationships with local growers and food vendors to ensure that these foods are locally sourced whenever possible.

“As an independent all-volunteer organization, the Aquidneck Food Pantry relies on the community for much of its funding,” said Mary Anne Crittenden, president of the food pantry. “This generous grant demonstrates BJ’s commitment to the community and its food-insecure residents.”

BJ’s Wholesale Club announced grants to 70 community organizations that were nominated by its team members. Recipients were chosen for their local impact in areas of hunger relief, education and health and wellness. 

“BJ’s has a deep commitment to support families in the communities where we live and work,” said Kirk Saville, head of corporate communications, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We are honored to celebrate our 40th anniversary by supporting the organizations our team members care about most and to live our purpose of taking care of the families who depend on us.” 

Since its inception, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation has awarded over $37 million to non-profit organizations and schools, providing vital support in BJ’s communities.

The Aquidneck Food Pantry is an independent, all-volunteer organization founded in Portsmouth in 2021 as the St. John’s Lodge Food Bank. Its mission is to help needy individuals and families in the community by providing nourishing food in a welcoming and non-discriminating environment, and by educating local businesses, organizations and the general public about the often-unseen problem of food insecurity in Portsmouth and the surrounding area.

How to donate

The Aquidneck Food Pantry, 81 Sprague St., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Wednesdays. Enter the marked lane and a volunteer will come out to your car to assist you. All residents are welcome.

Food and financial donations can be made in person during operating hours. Financial donations also can be made online by visiting www.aquidneckfoodpantry.org.

For more information, e-mail aquidneckfoodpantry@gmail.com or call 401/683-3674.