City-wide collection of canned food will be happening through February 17 as part of national movement to turn the largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of caring and giving
Thursday, January 31, 2019
PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined representatives from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, local faith leaders and community members at Bethel AME Church to launch Providence’s “Souper Bowl of Caring” canned food drive, happening now through February 17. In collaboration with the national “Souper Bowl of Caring” campaign and as part of Mayor Elorza’s commitment to promoting kindness, the city-wide collection effort through Super Bowl weekend aims to combat local food insecurity and poverty by making contributions to local hunger-relief charities, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
“While we come together with family and friends to enjoy the Super Bowl, let’s also take the opportunity to show kindness towards our neighbors in need,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “We’re joining forces with local partners to address food insecurity and poverty because no family should experience hunger. I encourage everyone to make a donation and help us spread the word.”
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that 12.8 percent of Rhode Islanders are food insecure. This means that over 56,000 households are often unsure of where their next meal will come from. The most recent “Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island” issued by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank also notes that hunger is more prevalent in Rhode Island than it was ten years ago, affecting one in eight households.
“We’re so thankful for Mayor Elorza’s efforts to engage the community in supporting the Food Bank,” said Andrew Schiff, CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “We all know that it takes a village and the people of Providence have always stepped up to generously help their neighbors in need of food assistance.”
As part of the national movement to turn the largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of caring and giving, collection bins will accept non-perishable canned foods until National Random Acts of Kindness Day is observed on Sunday, February 17. Donors are asked to only donate healthy, nutritious food that is in good condition and “in date.” Expired food will not be accepted. Most-needed food items include canned soups and stews, canned fruits and vegetables, and canned tuna.
“As faith leaders throughout Providence we come together in support of Mayor Elorza’s kindness initiative,” said Pastor Howard Jenkins Jr. of Bethel AME Providence. “The excitement, support, and energy demonstrated in showing support of the Super Bowl should be reflective also in showing kindness to help our neighbors who are in need. No one in this city should go throughout the day hungry. The Rhode Island Food Bank supports overwhelming individuals and families in our community facing the hardship of hunger. The Souper Bowl of Caring allows congregations and communities, spanning all ages to rally together as ‘Champions of Kindness’ by donating food in making a difference in feeding the hungry.”
Please note that collection hours vary depending on the schedule of the hosting establishment. Participating locations include:
- City Hall, Mayor’s Center for City Services (MCCS), Room 101, 25 Dorrance Street, Contact: 3-1-1 (401-421-2489)
Collection hours: Weekdays 8:30am – 4:30PM
- Public Safety Complex, 325 Washington Street, Contact: 3-1-1 (401-421-2489)
Collection hours: Weekdays 8:30am – 4:30PM
- Joseph A. Doorely Municipal Building, 444 Westminster Street, Contact: 3-1-1 (401-421-2489)
Collection hours: Weekdays 8:30am – 4:30PM
- Bethel AME Church, 30 Rochambeau Ave, Contact: 401-272-9186
Collection hours: Every day 11:00am – 7:00PM
- Iglesia Cristiana Comunitaria, 353 Elmwood Avenue, Contac: 401-699-1359
Collection hours: Sundays 2:00PM – 4:00PM, Tuesdays 7:00PM – 9:00PM, Wednesdays 6:30PM – 9:00PM, Thursdays 6:30PM – 9:00PM
- Vida Abundante Church, 689 Cranston Street, Contact: 401-219-2007
Collection hours: Sundays 10:30am – 6:00PM, weekdays 7:00PM – 9:00PM
- Restoration Adult Daycare Center, 1090 Eddy Street, Contact: 401-640-7648
Collection hours: Weekdays 8:00am – 4:00PM
- Christ Temple Church, 122 Wadsworth Street, Contact: 401-461-4060
Collection hours: Sunday 10:00am – 1:00PM, Tuesday 6:00PM – 7:00PM, Friday 7:00PM – 8:00PM, Saturday 12:00PM – 1:30PM
- Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Contact: 401-421-4111
Collection hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00AM – 8:00PM, Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Congregation Beth Sholom, 275 Camp Street, Contact: (401) 621-9393
Collection hours: Weekdays 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Participants are encouraged to share their experience and show support for the campaign on social media using #TackleHunger and #PVDSouperBowl. Establishments interested in joining the Providence Souper Bowl effort and housing a collection bin are encouraged to contact Olinda Urizar, Community Relations Coordinator by calling 3-1-1 or emailing Ourizar@providenceri.gov. The deadline for those interested in hosting a collection bin is Tuesday, February 5.