Dave’s Donates $25K To NK Food Pantry

Dave’s Marketplace, the Rhode Island grocery store chain, has donated $25,000 to the North Kingstown Food Pantry’s Capital Campaign to relocate to the Little Red Schoolhouse.  

The food pantry outgrew its current space at the North Kingstown United Methodist Church and worked with the town to get a 5-year lease on the Little Red Schoolhouse at the end of last year. Since then, the organization has been raising money to be able to make Little Red for its new occupant. According to Karla Driscoll, food pantry board president, Little Red needs a new boiler and possibly a new septic system, along with other renovations. The cost to reopen the building was estimated in the $40,000 to $50,000 range.

The North Kingstown Food Pantry has been providing food to residents for over 30 years and provides an average of 7,500 meals per month. Little Red offers more space and a more central location.

“Dave’s ongoing support has meant so much to the NK Food Pantry over the years,” said Driscoll.

The food pantry is hoping renovations will be completed by early fall and they will be in their new home by Thanksgiving.