BankNewport’s “Kind Souls, Full Bowls” Campaign Raises more than $7,500 for Rhode Island Community Food Bank

NEWPORT, R.I. (March 1, 2021) – BankNewport is pleased to announce that “Kind Souls, Full Bowls”, a campaign to raise awareness about food insecurity in Rhode Island, generated$7,535.00 for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

From January 18th through February 14th, members of the community were encouraged to make a contribution to the Food Bank to support the organization’s mission to distribute food to people in need through its statewide network of 159 member food pantries and meal sites. BankNewport launched the campaign with a $50,000 donation.

“We are thrilled with the success of this campaign and are grateful to all of those who joined us in the fight against food insecurity,” said Sandra J. Pattie, President & CEO, BankNewport. “It is our hope that Rhode Islanders continue to support the Food Bank and their local pantries throughout the year, as the demand for assistance continues to rise.”

Each month, 68,000 Rhode Islanders receive food assistance from the Food Bank’s member agencies, a need that has grown significantly through the COVID-19 pandemic. Gifts of any size help feed our neighbors in need during the winter months. For every dollar donated, the Food Bank can acquire up to 3 pounds of healthy, nutritious food.

“We’re so thankful for all of the support we’ve received from our friends at BankNewport, including their efforts during this very challenging time,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “The contributions from the ‘Kind Souls, Full Bowls’ campaign will help us purchase 22,000 pounds of food, which will provide relief for many individuals and families in need.”

BankNewport has long-supported the Food Bank, and in 2020, committed a $100,000 COVID-19 support grant as well as an additional $40,000 in food insecurity grants made directly to their member agencies.

About the Rhode Island Community Food Bank
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank has been distributing food to 68,000 struggling Rhode Islanders each month through a statewide network of 159 member agencies including food pantries, meal sites, shelters, emergency distribution programs and senior centers. This year, the Food Bank distributed 13.8 million pounds of food. The Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. For more information, visit www.rifoodbank.org.

About BankNewport
Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island. With $2.0 billion in assets, BankNewport is one of the oldest community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees and communities. BankNewport has 17 branch locations, with commercial lending offices in Cumberland and Providence.
BankNewport business lines include OceanPoint Marine Lending, specializing in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs, and OceanPoint Insurance, a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, providing a broad range of property casualty insurance products, including employee benefits and marine related insurance products.