Library Reads Summer Need for Food

The Barrington library food drive for TAP-IN is back.

"In a repeat of last year’s successful program," said Debbi Barchi, library director, "Barrington library is partnering with TAP-IN to collect food donations in the library for the month of August."

Of special interest, she said, are “the big five” -- canned tuna, canned chicken, peanut butter, chicken noodle soup and canned beans, all sources of protein.

Although donations to food banks are strong during the winter months, donations drop dramatically in the summer, said Barchi. The library collection will help fill in the gaps for the TAP-IN food bank this summer.

Clearly marked boxes for food donations will be found on the first and second floor of the library in August, she said.

Summers definitely see a drop-off in donations and an increase in people seeking some help to feed their families, said volunteer Mary Riotto of TAP-IN. Children are not in school, for instance, where they usually get a lunch and often a breakfast.

The shelves are often bare soon after they’re stocked each Thursday, Riotto said of the food, most of which come from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

“Any donation is gratefully accepted,” said Riotto.

But TAP-IN can really use the Big 5 foods.

Those items will be packaged with pasta, cereal, starch, and vegetables that help make up the food bags given to needier families.

You can also make donations directly to TAP-IN. The organization is open from 9 am to noon Monday through Friday. The library’s hours are 9 am to 8 pm in the summer.

For more information about TAP-IN, got to the organization's new website. For more information, contact the library director at 247-1920.