Cereal Challenge Food Drive Channels Community Spirit

WARWICK, RI — The 5th Annual July Cereal Challenge food drive delivered a record 2,106 boxes of cereal collected to benefit West Bay Marketplace thanks to the support of local businesses, faith communities, and generous individuals in the community.

Spearheaded by Lincoln Smith, a member of Lakewood Baptist Church, the Cereal Challenge has become a summer tradition focused on fighting food insecurity by stocking the shelves of West Bay Marketplace with kid-friendly, shelf-stable breakfast options.

Cereal Challenge Food Drive Aided By Many

This year’s record-breaking effort was made possible through the collaboration of many community partners, including Lakewood Baptist Church, Shaw’s, Stop & Shop, Dave’s Marketplace, PriceRite, Asbury Methodist Church, Concordia Center for Spiritual Living, Norwood Baptist Church Men’s Breakfast, Pawtuxet Baptist Church, Spring Green Memorial Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Martorelli Property Services LLC, Washington Trust Bank and Photographic Society of RI.

Smith said special thanks were due to Councilman Bill Foley, Mayor Frank Picozzi, Councilman Ed Ladouceur and Councilman Bill Muto for hosting a Community Outreach Event supporting the drive. There was also a cereal drive to support West Bay Marketplace which helps local families in need.

“Every box collected is a small act of kindness that adds up to something truly powerful,” said Jordon Hiatt, Marketplace Supervisor. “These donations will go directly to families in need — especially important during the summer months when kids are out of school and access to free meals are limited.”

Lakewood Baptist Church has proudly sponsored the challenge for five years running. Smith reflected on the growing impact.

“To see more than 2,000 boxes come in from across the community is deeply moving. It shows what can happen when people unite for a common cause,” he said.

With shelves now fuller and spirits lifted, the team at Westbay Marketplace is already looking forward to next year’s challenge — inspired by what this community can accomplish together.

“Together, we’re fighting hunger one box at a time,” Smith said.