Aquidneck Food Pantry Receives $15K Grant From BJ's Wholesale Club

PORTSMOUTH, RI — BJ's Wholesale Club has awarded the Aquidneck Food Pantry in Portsmouth a $15,000 grant to support the food bank's "Fresh Food Initiative."

The Fresh Food Initiative is a program designed to provide healthier dietary options, in the form of fresh meats and produce, to its patrons. The grant money 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," food pantry President Mary Anne Crittenden said. "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," BJ's corporate communications lead said. "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."

Have a news tip? Email jimmy.bentley@patch.com.