PORTSMOUTH — The Aquidneck Food Pantry served 150 more people in October than it did the previous month, a 6.2% increase that underscores the growing demand for food assistance as the holiday season approaches.

The pantry, an independent, all-volunteer organization based at 137 Chase Road, provided groceries to 741 families representing 2,567 people in October, including 826 children.

That’s up from 699 families and 2,417 individuals in September, according to figures released in the organization’s monthly newsletters.

The pantry also welcomed 30 new families in October, following 51 in September. Of the families served in October, 343 had children, while 181 had households of more than four people.

“Due to the rising cost of groceries, we have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance from the food pantry,” the organization stated in its November newsletter.

The pantry provides fresh food, dairy products, eggs, bread, produce and nonperishable groceries to residents of Portsmouth and surrounding communities.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, pantry officials say financial pressures on working families, seniors, veterans and people living on fixed incomes are becoming especially difficult.

“Rising food costs and ongoing financial challenges are making it increasingly difficult for local families, seniors, veterans, and individuals living on fixed incomes to provide a festive meal for their loved ones,” pantry President Mary Anne Crittenden wrote in the newsletter.

Community pitches in

Despite the growing demand, the pantry says it has been able to keep up through donations from residents, businesses, schools and community organizations.

One of the largest recent contributions came through the annual Scouting for Food drive organized by Troop 1 Portsmouth and Pack 1 Portsmouth.

The Scouts traveled throughout town collecting nonperishable groceries from residents, bringing in more than 4,000 pounds of food. The VFW at Common Fence Point supported the effort by hosting a collection box.

Other recent contributions included a $5,000 Farm to Food Pantry Program grant through Farm Fresh Rhode Island, which allowed the pantry to purchase a pallet of frozen meats and other products.

People’s Credit Union in Middletown donated $1,000 for holiday food assistance, while Allen’s Wine & Spirits on East Main Road contributed $750.

The Pennfield School in Portsmouth also organized a food drive, collecting cereal, soup, pasta, spaghetti sauce and other groceries.

Additional support came from the Portsmouth RI Walking Group and a food collection at Dollar General coordinated by Cameron Stanton, with assistance from First Student.

How to help

The pantry is seeking additional support as it prepares for increased demand during the holidays.

Local businesses and organizations can sponsor food collection boxes, while individuals can contribute groceries or make financial donations. Monetary contributions allow the pantry to purchase food in bulk and supplement donated items with products that are most needed.

Food donations are accepted Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 137 Chase Road. Donors can drive up and give their contributions to a volunteer.

Checks payable to Aquidneck Food Pantry can be mailed or delivered to 137 Chase Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Online donations can be made through Venmo or PayPal at aquidneckfoodpantry.org.

Businesses interested in sponsoring a food collection box can contact aquidneckfoodpantry@gmail.com.

Founded in 2021, the pantry serves residents facing food insecurity in Portsmouth and neighboring communities.