Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation and the United Cajun Navy Partner to Deliver More Than 91,000 Pounds of Organic Pasta to Military Families in Need

Donation will provide food relief to active-duty soldiers and families amid the government shutdown

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – (October 23, 2025) – Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 176 stores across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, through its Charitable Foundation, has partnered with the United Cajun Navy to coordinate the delivery of 91,531 pounds of organic pasta—equivalent to more than 183,000 eight-ounce boxes—to active-duty military personnel and their families affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

The organization will transport pasta from Illinois to Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, as well as other U.S. military base locations, where local partners will distribute it to military families experiencing food insecurity. The organic pasta, which includes shells, elbows, and linguine, was donated by one of OSJL’s food distribution vendors in Illinois. Upon learning of the available inventory, OSJL mobilized its extensive logistics network and reached out to the United Cajun Navy to ensure the product reaches communities where it’s needed most.

“Ocean State Job Lot is proud to connect partners across the country to ensure that no one in need goes hungry,” said David Sarlitto, Vice President of Corporate Giving, Ocean State Job Lot. “From Rhode Island to Illinois, Texas, and Louisiana, this effort demonstrates the power of collaboration and the strength of our mission to help people wherever they are.”

“What does a closeout retailer based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, have to do with feeding military families in Texas and Louisiana?” said Alan Perlman, Owner and Co-Founder, Ocean State Job Lot. “Everything. We have the relationships, resources, and transportation infrastructure to get critical products where they need to go, quickly and efficiently.”

The OSJL Charitable Foundation works year-round to facilitate product donations, financial aid, and logistics support for organizations addressing hunger, disaster relief, homelessness, and community needs. Each year, OSJL provides the equivalent of millions of meals across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic through partnerships with food banks, shelters, and military support organizations.

“The unwavering support of Ocean State Job Lot has been vital to the United Cajun Navy’s mission for years, allowing us to respond effectively during people’s most desperate moments,” said Todd Terrell, Founder and President of the United Cajun Navy. This latest effort to deliver critical food supplies is another powerful example of what we can achieve when we join forces to make a positive impact in our communities.”

About Ocean State Job Lot:

Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 176 stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, nearly 7,000 employees, and annual sales exceeding $850 million. OSJL shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand-name, first-quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price.

The company was named a five-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a five-time U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a five-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and three-time Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner. Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes®.

The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need.

Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Phone: 401-295-2672. Website: www.oceanstatejoblot.com.

About the United Cajun Navy:

The United Cajun Navy is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization focused on providing disaster relief and support during emergencies. They conduct search and rescue operations, deliver supplies, and aid in recovery efforts to assist communities during difficult times. For more information, please visit: United Cajun Navy.