Three weeks remain for members of the community to take part in Bank Rhode Island’s (BankRI) $10,000 matching gift challenge in support of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Donors can double the impact of their gift by donating to the Food Bank online at rifoodbank.org/bankri or by sending a donation to RICFB, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI, 02907.

The challenge is part of BankRI’s annual Summer Food Drive, which kicked-off on July 12. During the six-week effort, each of the bank’s 20 branches statewide is also collecting nonperishable food items to benefit a local food pantry partner.

Thanks to its ability to buy food in bulk, every dollar donated to the Food Bank helps to acquire three meals. Right now, the food bank is on pace to distribute more than 16 million pounds of food in 2021 – more than any previous year.

“We know the summer months can be a struggle for families with limited food budgets, and that’s especially true this year,” said Mark J. Meiklejohn, president and CEO of BankRI. “Along with our food collection, we wanted to offer the community a way to make a difference while leveraging the food bank’s food buying power.”

Members of the community may also visit their nearest BankRI branch to donate nonperishable food items. Each branch features a collection bin in its lobby and all have partnered with a pantry that serves its community to ensure food collected stays local to feed area residents.

Foods most needed by pantries include peanut butter, nutritious breakfast cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese, whole-wheat pasta, and tomato sauce. BankRI branch locations and hours can be found at BankRI.com/locations.