Dear Parishioners,
 In recent weeks there has been a surge of new families seeking food on Wednesdays at Saint Edward Food and Wellness Center. In March we celebrated our 22nd Anniversary. Over those years we provided non-perishable food items along with fresh bread and vegetables and sometimes toiletries to countless families living in the 02908 and 02904 zip codes and recently added 02911. This past winter showed an increasing trend of new clients. During the past month our numbers are toping 300 or more needy families – a new record for families coming to us outside of Thanksgiving and Christmas. During Holy Week because of the generosity of a member of our parish family, we were able to distribute a $25 gift card to every family along with the food they received. Many of you have been generous in responding to our pleas for special items over the years like toilet paper which we now purchase in bulk and offer every client a roll. At this time I want to make a new request if you can assist. We are need of breakfast cereal. That’s in big demand and we receive very little from the RI Community Food Bank which provides the bulk of our supplies. That is now a preferred item for donations. Corn flakes, Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Wheat or Rice Chex or any non-sugary kind will be greatly appreciated. You can drop them off at whatever Mass you attend over the weekend or at the rectory. God bless you for your continued generosity and support. May you have a good week! Father Ed