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By HANNAH CLARKIN
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As Thanksgiving approaches, local food pantries in Coventry, West Warwick, and West Greenwich are doing their best to make sure that everyone has a good meal for the holiday. Coventry Food Bank They need more turkeys, says Human Services Director Pat Shurtleff. The bank assembles roughly 125 baskets each Thanksgiving, she says, and turkeys are in high demand. In addition to turkeys, they are looking for potatoes, vegetables, rolls, cranberry sauce — anything for a Thanksgiving meal.
The bank’s baskets include enough food for the entire day, Shurtleff says, so boxes of cereal, soup, and bread are also helpful. The service is available to Coventry residents, Shurtleff says, and when they call they will have to be assessed. At this point, unless more food comes in, callers will have to be put on a waiting list. Distribution will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Coventry High School’s culinary arts program is also assisting Human Services this year, Shurtleff said, by cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal in cooperation with the food bank. “These will go to elderly people who cannot get out,” Shurtleff said. The meal will include a turkey, cranberry sauce, rolls and gravy — and enough for Thanksgiving Day and the day after. “We do 200 dinners like that and you couldn’t get a dinner like this in the restaurant. The culinary program does a wonderful job.” Distribution will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 26. West Warwick Food Cupboard Turkeys are in short supply in West Warwick too, says Dan Sylvester. They’re looking for about 35 birds this Thanksgiving, he says, as well as the fixings for the Thanksgiving meal. The cupboard is accepting both turkeys and gift cards to grocery stores, he says. For those who want to donate for more than just the holiday, the cupboard is also in need of pasta, peanut butter and jelly, tuna, beef stew in a can and other non-perishable items. Food may be obtained by stopping by the Main Street office, says Sylvester. “Just come to the door and we ask a few questions to make sure they’re in the guidelines,” he says. West Greenwich Office of Human Services The West Greenwich Office of Human Services is collecting whole Thanksgiving Baskets, says Director Marge Gartelman. So far the drive has been very effective with families and businesses in town donating baskets that contain turkey, cranberries, fresh vegetables and potatoes, apple cider, walnuts and pies. Donations of whole baskets are still welcome as well as grocery store gift cards. Those who need assistance may contact human services. |
