The Middletown Town Council unveiled a community-wide food donation initiative Thursday aimed at supporting vulnerable residents struggling with food insecurity.
The Middletown Meals Community Challenge, coordinated with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport, asks residents and businesses to donate high-demand food items each week. If 250 of the requested items are donated, council leaders have pledged to match the donations one-to-one.
“We’ve been talking about what we can do and the Middletown Meals Community Challenge is an outstanding way to show we care and understand what people are going through,” Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “We’re looking at everything we can do to help because we know times are tough and we’re all going to get through this together.”
The challenge begins Monday with Week 1 focusing on cereal boxes, which MLK Center officials identified as the most needed item according to food pantry users.
Subsequent weeks will target:
- Week 2 (Nov. 17-23): Canned red kidney beans
- Week 3 (Nov. 24-30): Soap
- Week 4 (Dec. 1-7): Tomato products
- Week 5 (Dec. 8-14): Hearty soups, chilis and stews
Donations can be dropped off at six municipal locations: the Department of Public Works at 9 Berkeley Ave.; the Fire Department at 239 Wyatt Road; Middletown Public Library at 700 West Main Road; Middletown Senior Center at 650 Green End Ave.; the Police Department at 123 Valley Road; and Town Hall at 350 East Main Road. Residents may also donate directly to the MLK Center on Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard.
The Middletown Employee Wellness Committee is sponsoring a food drive through Nov. 21 at the same locations.
“Working with Middletown leaders on a number of issues, we know they care and this is another way they’re showing it,” MLK Center Executive Director Heather Hole Strout said. “We’ve been seeing huge numbers but are meeting the need and have been getting an incredible amount of support.”
The MLK Center’s hunger relief programs include the Island Oasis Food Pantry at Middletown High School and a monthly Mobile Food Pantry in local neighborhoods.
Gift cards and checks are also accepted. Donations can be made online at https://mdl.town/MLKCC. The number 250 was chosen as a nod to America’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026.
For more information, contact Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships Lori Turner at lturner@middletownri.gov or 401-842-6599.