PORTSMOUTH — Rising grocery prices are sending more local residents to the Aquidneck Food Pantry, which provided groceries to nearly 2,500 people in September, including 850 children.

The all-volunteer organization, based at 137 Chase Road, served 699 families comprising 2,417 individuals during the month, according to its October newsletter. Among those receiving assistance were 51 families seeking help from the pantry for the first time.

Of the households served, 335 included children, while 187 had more than four members.

The numbers underscore the continuing struggle many Aquidneck Island families face in keeping food on the table as grocery prices remain high.

“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 reported.

Although the pantry did not provide comparative figures from previous months, it said demand has been growing as more households seek help purchasing nutritious food.

Despite the increased need, the organization said it has been able to keep its shelves stocked through financial contributions, food drives and donations from businesses, churches, farms and individual residents.

The pantry distributes fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, bread and nonperishable groceries to families throughout the community.

One of its regular supporters, Lamb of God Christian Church, delivers groceries every Thursday through an outreach team led by Pastor Matthew Vangel. The deliveries include milk, eggs, canned tuna, vegetables, soup, beans, rice, pasta, oatmeal and fresh produce.

Other recent contributions have included approximately 300 pounds of freshly harvested potatoes from Hope’s Harvest, a Farm Fresh Rhode Island program that collects surplus produce from farms for distribution to hunger-relief organizations.

The Portsmouth Free Public Library also regularly contributes groceries and fresh fruit, while local home gardeners have supplied vegetables throughout the summer and into the fall.

At Clements’ Marketplace’s annual Season of Giving event on Oct. 3, the pantry collected 24 bags of groceries along with monetary donations.

The organization also distributes donated pet food to help families care for their animals. Pet Wants, a pet store and dog training center at 1055 East Main Road, recently contributed dog and cat food and treats.

The pantry is now seeking additional local businesses willing to sponsor food collection boxes. Interested businesses can contact Marcella Bauer at 401-835-2678 or the pantry at 401-683-3674.

‘Christmas in Song’

A holiday concert will also benefit the organization. The Newport Navy Choristers will present “Christmas in Song” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road. Tickets go on sale Oct. 20.

Founded in 2021, the Aquidneck Food Pantry operates entirely with volunteers and provides food assistance in a welcoming, nondiscriminatory environment.

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 directly to a volunteer.

Financial contributions may also be mailed or delivered to the pantry, or made online through Venmo or PayPal at aquidneckfoodpantry.org.