Coronavirus In Newport: Drive-Up Food Distribution Available

NEWPORT, RI — The City of Newport is opening a drive-up food distribution center both for families of students and city residents in need of food assistance. Volunteers will load a week's supply of food into vehicles.

The distribution site will be set up at Pell Elementary School every Wednesday starting April 1 and continuing through April 29. Parents of children in Newport public schools can pick up food from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and the site will be open to the general public from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The distribution site will be staffed by volunteers from the Aquidneck Island Emergency Volunteer Alliance. All volunteers and staff will be screened for symptoms of coronavirus before handling food.

"We ask that if you are in need of food that you come to our drive through food service to obtain your necessities," the city said in a release.

Drivers will be directed to a drive-through tent. Volunteers will load one week's worth of food for each person in the household into the trunk of the vehicle. Anyone with questions can call 401-845-5501 for more information.