KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The 13th annual Fenton Food Drive, held on Saturday, November 23, was a resounding success, raising nearly $17,000 and collecting almost 4,000 pounds of food to benefit the Keene Community Kitchen.

Organized by the Monadnock Media Group and the Fenton Family Dealerships, the event was held at three collection sites—Market Basket in Swanzey, Hannaford on West Street in Keene, and the Monadnock Food Co-op in downtown Keene.

Keene State College athletes and Monadnock Media Group employees staffed the locations, helping manage the overwhelming generosity of donors. Shopping carts overflowed with items, including gluten-free pastas, canned meals, and shelf-stable non-dairy milks—high-demand items to stock the Community Kitchen’s shelves for the winter months.

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Adding to the excitement, WKNE-FM on-air personalities Teri Pearsall and Steve Hamel, along with WINK Country’s Mark Healey, broadcasted live from the collection sites throughout the event, encouraging donations and sharing updates with listeners.

“This was one of the best days I’ve ever seen for our annual Food Drive,” said event organizer Steve Hamel. “The energy was incredible, and the generosity of our community is truly heartwarming.”

The Fenton Family Dealerships set the tone for the day by matching monetary donations up to $5,000. Their contribution inspired a wave of giving, with significant cash donations and countless smaller gifts that added up to make a major impact.

The Food Drive is a vital effort to help the Keene Community Kitchen combat food insecurity across the Monadnock region.

For those who missed the opportunity to contribute on Saturday, donations to the Community Kitchen are welcome year-round to help meet ongoing needs.