The 26th annual Community Food Drive on Saturday, Oct. 24 will gather food and funds for Food Pantry of North Branford (FPNB). According to a press release issued from North Branford Public Schools, this year marks the first time the drive will work to help stock the shelves of the newly formed FPNB.

FPNB officially opened its doors in June at 1382 Middletown Avenue in Northford (rear entrance, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church). FPNB will assist any North Branford resident in need during operating hours; only proof of residency is required to take away grocery staples and other needed items available on the shelves, according to FPNB founder Lynn Riordan. Food donations from individuals, groups and organizations are always welcome and can be donated at FPNB during operating hours each Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Each year, North Branford’s Community Food Drive brings in thousands of pounds of donated, non-perishable food. The donations go a long way toward helping residents who may not otherwise be able to afford food that can go into rounding out breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for themselves and their family members. The drive’s spearheaded by North Branford teachers, administrators, and students, joined by many parents and community-minded individuals. In addition, the Public Works Department volunteers to help deliver collected food to the pantry.

Early in the morning on Saturday, Oct. 24, residents can assist by placing donated non-perishable food items in bags by their mailboxes. Contributions of canned goods, pasta, and personal hygiene items are especially welcome (please remember to check food expiration dates). Bags will be picked up on Oct. 24 between 9 and 11:15 a.m., with North Branford Intermediate School (NBIS) and North Branford High School student teams helping out. Teams will earn one point for every item received. Top teams win gift certificates donated by local businesses.

Supermarket gift cards are another way to contribute to the food drive, and monetary donations are welcome, too. Checks payable to North Branford Food Drive/NBIS can be mailed c/o Alan Davis, Principal, NBIS, 654 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471.

Anyone interested in participating in the drive can contact North Branford Intermediate School 203-484-1500 for more information.