PORTSMOUTH — When people think about the Aquidneck Food Pantry, they often picture shelves stocked with canned goods and volunteers filling grocery bags.

What they don’t always see is the growing number of neighbors relying on those shelves.

In June alone, the Portsmouth-based nonprofit provided fresh food, dairy products, eggs, bread, produce and nonperishable groceries to 526 families, representing 1,758 people, including 618 children. Among those households were 260 families with children, while 125 families included more than four people. The pantry also welcomed 15 new families seeking assistance during the month.

Those numbers, highlighted in the pantry’s July newsletter, underscore the continuing need for food assistance across Aquidneck Island — and the community support that keeps the all-volunteer organization operating.

“We were able to meet this growing demand thanks to the many generous financial and food donations from individuals, community groups, local businesses, and the support of multiple food drive events,” the newsletter states.

The newsletter is filled with examples of that support.

The Common Fence Point community recently delivered what pantry volunteers called a “Christmas in June” donation, arriving with two pickup trucks and two large vehicles loaded with food. The Portsmouth Free Public Library continues its weekly collection effort, while United Congregational Church in Middletown, Lamb of God Christian Church, The Portsmouth Shop and numerous individual donors have also contributed food or financial support.

State Reps. Michelle McGaw and Terri Cortvriend were recognized for legislative grants and donations benefiting the pantry’s mission. (Note: McGaw is the wife of Jim McGaw editor of The Portsmouth Times.)

Perhaps the biggest fundraising opportunity on the horizon is the 2026 Citizens Pell Bridge Run, where the Aquidneck Food Pantry has been selected as an official charitable beneficiary. The event, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, gives runners, walkers and supporters another way to help combat food insecurity on Aquidneck Island.

The newsletter also includes personal stories illustrating why the pantry’s work matters.

One Middletown woman described how volunteers deliver groceries because she and her husband, both in their late 70s, can no longer drive after a serious automobile accident. Rising medical costs and reduced food assistance have made the pantry indispensable.

“If it wasn’t for the volunteers at the pantry, we don’t know what we would have to do to stay fed and alive,” she wrote. “The pantry is a blessing.”

Volunteer Marcella Bauer said she serves because hunger often remains hidden in a close-knit community.

“Aquidneck Island is not a place where people disappear into the crowd,” Bauer wrote. “You know your neighbors … Volunteering is my way of making sure the most vulnerable residents feel supported, fed and valued.”

How you can help

The pantry accepts both food and monetary donations, along with used ink and toner cartridges through the Staples recycling program, which helps generate additional funding.

The Aquidneck Food Pantry is located at 137 Chase Road in Portsmouth and is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations may be dropped off during those hours, and financial contributions can be made online at www.aquidneckfoodpantry.org or mailed to the pantry at 137 Chase Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.