BURRILLVILLE/NORTH SMITHFIELD – For the second consecutive year, Brigido’s Fresh Market has donated backpacks filled with an abundance of needed supplies to schools in the communities the store serves.
The store owners purchased the backpacks, and supplies obtained through a collaboration with the business’s corporate partners. School principals in Burrillville, North Smithfield and Scituate were contacted to pick up the donations in hopes to ensure the supplies reach the children who need them most, according to store officials.
“Each principal, knowing their school’s population the best, are choosing who should receive the backpacks,” noted store media contact Jeanine Genauer.
Michael and Melissa Fernandez, who also own several supermarkets in New York and Connecticut, purchased the three grocery store Rhode Island chain from the Brigido family two years ago, vowing at the time to be active participants in the local community, and to give back.
In 2024, the couple began to realize that goal, donating 90 backpacks for students in grades 2 through 5. This year, they were able to increase that number.
“This community-focused initiative reflects Brigido’s deep commitment to its local neighborhoods under Fernandez’s family ownership,” said Genauer. “As a local, family-owned and operated business, Brigido’s Fresh Markets strongly emphasize investing in the well-being of their neighborhoods, and this school bag giveaway is a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand how this family-owned business is making a difference in the lives of Rhode Island students and families.”
On Thursday, August 21, North Smithfield Elementary School Principal Jennifer Daigneault and Asst. Principal Tracy Lafreniere picked up 30 backpacks brimming with supplies including notebooks, highlighters, glue and crayons from Slatersville Store Director Casey McGrath, who has been with Brigido’s Fresh Markets for 31 years.
This week, A.T. Levy Principal David Brissette and Callahan Elementary School Principal Rudolf Moseley visited the Pascoag store to pick up donations for their respective schools.
Independent grocers operating under the banner of, “Foodtown,” the Brigido’s stores are members of Allegiance Retail Services New Jersey-based co-op that also includes Freshtown, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Morton Williams, and Shop n Bag.
That was very nice of them to donate.
Great Job!!
Kudos to them! Love love love that store! Always clean, the very best employees. Beautifully laid out. Great stuff! Cute little store.
Thank you Fernandez family for supporting our local schools! It takes a village!