KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow.com) The 14th annual Fenton Family Dealerships Food Drive, held on Saturday, November 22, raised over $16,000 and collected five truckloads of food, which comes out to 1,050 pounds, with all proceeds going toward the Community Kitchen in Keene, according The Community Kitchen’s executive director, Barb Weisman.

The Fenton Family Dealerships were matching cash donations up to $5,000, a figure that was reached almost as soon as the food drive started. A generous benefactor who would like to remain anonymous made the large donation.

The event, organized and staffed by members of the Monadnock Media Group, took place in three locations: Hannaford on West Street in Keene, the Monadnock Food Co-op in Downtown Keene, and the Market Basket in Swanzey. Shoppers at all three locations came with cash or shelf-stable food donations, helping stock the shelves of the Community Kitchen during the coming winter months.

On-air personalities like Mark Healey from 98.7 WINK Country, Steve Hamel and Teri Pearsall from WKNE, and Dan Mitchell from WKBK were manning the booths, along with behind-the-scenes employees from the sales and media departments. Sunny 97.7, this year’s Christmas Station, played holiday classics and modern hits, getting everyone in the mood to give.

The Food Drive is a vital effort to help the Keene Community Kitchen combat food insecurity across the Monadnock region, especially over the last couple of months as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds were held in limbo during the federal government shutdown.

“The Fenton Family Food Drive is one of the most powerful examples of what makes the Monadnock Region so special,” said Weisman. “When our community comes together like this, we’re able to put thousands of meals on the tables of our neighbors who need them most.”

Weisman added The Community Kitchen is deeply grateful to the Fenton Family Dealerships, WKNE and everyone who donated for helping us nourish our community with compassion and dignity.

For those who missed the opportunity to contribute on Saturday, donations to the Community Kitchen are welcome year-round to help meet ongoing needs. For more information and to find out how to donate, you can visit thecommunitykitchen.org.