Donations Stock Little Compton Food Bank in Time for the Holidays

The coordinator for the Little Compton Food Bank reports their shelves are stocked this holiday season, thanks to donations from an array of area groups throughout the year.

"We have more people using the food bank this year and more donations," said Susan Sisson, adding there are many in Little Compton on fixed incomes who utilize the food bank. "Generally, we get a good amount of just about everything. We're very fortunate."

She said people who gave in the past tend to donate the same thing, knowing the food bank needs canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter and jelly and spaghetti sauce. Sisson noted the pantry was not as stocked this time last year.

Suggested shopping items Sisson said they could use more of include canned fruits, canned or bottled juice, dry cereal, pancake mix, sugar, cooking oils, crackers, canned meats, tuna fish, peanut butter and jelly, pasta sauce, personal hygiene items and paper goods. They are usually in a surpus of pasta, rice and baked beans.

Sisson credited the many outside sources who donate, including a local farm who gives local eggs and frozen meats, as well as fresh vegetables during gardening season. She noted the in Tiverton donates fresh bread, too.

The 's amnesty program is beneficial to the food bank, Sisson said, where instead of paying late book fines, people bring in canned goods. The , Boy Scout Troop 69 and neighboring and dropped off food baskets recently.

Sisson praised the students at for their Pajama Day last month that brought in food donations, as well as some aid from the success of in Tiverton.

The food bank is open Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. Monetary donations or gift certificates are gladly accepted.