Although the COVID-19 crisis has created many obstacles during the last months, Aquidneck Community Table has not wavered from its core mission to build a healthy and sustainable food system to serve every Aquidneck Islander. Recently, we were bolstered in our ability (and confidence!) to build that local food system by a generous challenge grant from an anonymous donor.

Every gift made between now and August 15 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Your gift will be doubled in value to our organization and will double the benefits we are able to offer to our community as the economic hardships created by COVID-19 deepen into fall.

Our programs - which we have struggled to reopen and maintain under new COVID-19 protocols - are some of those benefits we bring to our community. We will be sharing stories about them over the coming weeks, so please stay tuned for many reasons why it is a good investment to support ACT with a gift.

Our farmers markets provide a sales outlet for more than 30 farmers and small food businesses - whose existence remains threatened by the fall-out from the Coronavirus - keeping close to $2,000,000 food dollars in the regional economy annually.

With several of our community and school gardens still closed, we have swiftly developed a bold plan to use those garden spaces to grow as much fresh produce as possible for distribution through the Newport Public School's Summer Meals Program.

We know that this is a difficult time for many of you to make a charitable donation, so please know that every gift is appreciated, no matter the size, and that we also know that not everyone is able to make a gift this year. We feel your support in many ways!

Your gift today will sustain our programs throughout this year of challenges and changes and contribute to building a healthier island in the future.