Employees at Clements Market recently carried on a tradition they began last year by using their own money to purchase food for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

By opting to have a small amount of money deducted from their paychecks each pay period for a year, more than 60 percent of the market’s employees were able to pool enough money to purchase $15,000 worth of food.

Clements helped its employees find the best deals on items most needed by the bank, which produced 17,700 pounds of fresh produce, canned vegetables, pasta, rice, canned soup and more, all piled high on a total of 10 pallets.

“The generosity of our employees never ceases to amaze me,” said Tracey Anthony, general manager of Clements Market.

Andrew Schiff, CEO of the food bank, said the donation comes at a critical time as food donations have declined in recent years while the demand has doubled.

Currently, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank serves 66,000 people, one-third of whom are younger than 18, throughout Rhode Island. •