Lincoln, RI – A Lincoln couple is turning retirement into a mission of service, operating a network of “Share Shacks” to combat food insecurity in their community and beyond. Tom and Annette Briand began their initiative 19 years ago with a single table, and it has since grown into a vital resource supported by numerous local organizations and individuals.
The Share Shacks operate on a “take what you can, leave what you can” basis, providing accessible food assistance to anyone in need. Annette Briand recently established a Venmo account – @Annette-briand – to facilitate donations for those unable to contribute physically.
“some days there might not be much, other days there’s a big donation and there’s a lot, we want people to know about it and you don’t have to be from Manville, everyone is welcome here,” Annette Briand explained. “People are really grateful. Really very grateful. A lot of the people that come here have a very tough time making ends meet, especially towards the end of the month.”
The briands’ efforts are bolstered by consistent support from organizations like FEED RI (formerly We Share Hope),and Lonsdale Elementary School,which collected 5,000 non-perishable food items for the shacks this year. Phantom Farms Brewing Flyers Running and Walking Club also regularly collects and delivers donations, while the Rhode Island Atheists provided LED solar-powered lights for the shacks. Franklin Farm in Cumberland donated over 1800 pounds of fresh vegetables this summer.
Volunteer Brenda Luchon of Manville, who has been assisting for about a year, shared a personal connection to the cause. “Lincoln has always been very generous with people in need and these days especially there’s a lot of people in need,” Luchon saeid. “Me being a kid that was involved as a kid using the pantry and stuff when I was a child growing up and now that I’m able to give back to the community it’s a fantastic feeling.”
Tom Briand emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “I have a favorite saying: ‘Many hands make light work’ and it’s so true as if it was Tom and Annette doing this, it wouldn’t have happened,” he said. “If you had asked me when we put out that table where is this going I would’ve had no idea. It really is just something that has evolved over time due to the needs of the community and with their help.”
More facts about the Share Shacks can be found on their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164028814374929.
