Coronavirus In Portsmouth: Town Launches Emergency Food Bank

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Starting Tuesday, Portsmouth residents in need will have access to the town's new emergency food bank, created to help those hit hardest by the coronavirus outbreak. Located at St. Barnabus Church on East Main Road, the food bank is currently accepting donations of nonperishable food and money to help meet the demand.

Portsmouth residents in need can come to the church's parish hall at the back of the church, in the lower parking lot, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers will come out to the vehicle with the food. Anyone who cannot come to collect groceries during those times can call 401-643-0323 or email portsmouthri.foodbank@gmail.com, and a volunteer will respond within 24 hours.

The food bank will accept donations of nonperishable, unexpired food from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the church parking lot. Anyone can donate is encouraged to do so, as town leaders "expect an increasing need to replenish the Food Bank throughout the COVID-19 crisis," reads a statement on the town's website. The following items are needed:

• Cereal
• Pancake mix and syrup
• Mac and cheese
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Powdered milk
• Baked beans
• Canned vegetables
• Pasta and sauce
• Canned tuna and chicken
• Crackers
• Instant rice
• Canned soup
• Coffee
• Tea
• Hot chocolate
• Grocery store gift cards

Monetary donations can be made in several ways, listed below.

• Online: Donate through St. Barnabus' website.
• Check: Make checks payable to "Town of Portsmouth." Note "food bank" on the check, and hand-deliver or mail to Portsmouth Community Food Bank, Portsmouth Town Hall, 2200 East Main Rd. Portsmouth, RI 02871.
• Text: Send "pefb" to 555888 and select a one-time or recurring gift.

Anyone interested in volunteering to re-stock shelves, accept food, pick up donations or deliver food is asked to call 401-643-0323 or email portsmouthri.foodbank@gmail.com, with the days and times available and area of interest.