NEWPORT, R.I. – A food drive spearheaded by members of Salve Regina University’s Sigma Beta Delta national business honor society resulted in a $500 donation to the Martin Luther King Center food bank, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Sigma Beta Delta members recruited Salve Regina students on the university’s meal plan to authorize Sodexho Dining Services to donate $3.50 from the cost of their meals on Oct. 27 toward the MLK food bank.
On Wednesday, senior business major Jake Tavello visited the Martin Luther King Center along with faculty advisor Dr. Arlene Nicholas to present the $515.95 check to Jane Maloney, office and food service manager. Other members of the Sigma Beta Delta committee included Margaret Croutier, Brandi Tressler and Christina Walsh.
Maloney said the funding will help stock Thanksgiving baskets which, until the last couple of days, have been running a little short despite a growing need. Over the last nine months, 30 percent of the families who have received food pantry help have been new.
“We have a lot of new families coming in this year and a lot of single people,” Maloney said. “We’re also seeing people who have been laid off or whose salaries have been cut. A lot of people who come in are donors from previous years and it’s very difficult for them.”
The Martin Luther King Center produces more than 76,000 meals annually.