Three additional sites to replicate Rentschler Field model.
Bloomfield, CT and Wallingford, CT
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A month after announcing that Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare are in discussions to merge as one statewide organization, the two food banks announced the launch of three new food distributions in New London, Norwich and Norwalk replicating Foodshare’s emergency drive-thru food distribution at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
“Hunger doesn’t care where you live,” said Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Foodshare. “And hunger is not contained to any one region here in Connecticut. By launching these additional drive-thru, COVID-conscious sites we are continuing to bring hope to the many Connecticut families affected by this pandemic.”
Just this past Monday, Foodshare announced a new winter schedule for its East Hartford site starting on Tuesday, January 12. Connecticut Food Bank will set up drive-thru food distributions starting Friday, January 8, in New London at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church; Wednesday, January 13, in Norwalk at Calf Pasture Beach; and Monday, January 25, in the parking lot at 28 Stonington Road, across from Pistol Pete’s Bar And Grill, in Norwich. These sites will run weekly throughout the winter months with an end date to be determined.
“These weekly emergency food distributions in New London, Norwalk, and Norwich are a result of the combined resources and expertise made possible by this expected combination of the two food banks,” said Connecticut Food Bank Board member Wes Higgins. “These new sites will go a long way to increase access to food for people in Connecticut struggling with hunger due to the pandemic.”
“Since April, we have distributed more than 7 million pounds of food at Rentschler Field,” said Foodshare Board Chair Elizabeth Henry. “By expanding that model to other corners of the state, we are already demonstrating the expected benefits of a potential merger.”
Statewide Drive-Thru Food Distribution Schedule:
- Mondays, starting 1/25 – Norwich
Address: 28 Stonington Road, Norwich, CT 06360 – in the parking lot across from Pistol Pete's Bar And Grill
Hours: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm - Tuesdays, starting 1/12 – East Hartford
Address: Rentschler Field, 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118 – Silver Lane Entrance
Hours: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm - Wednesdays, starting 1/13 – Norwalk
Address: Calf Pasture Beach, 99 Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk, CT 06855
Hours: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm - Fridays, starting 1/8 – New London
Address: St Mary Star of the Sea Church, 10 Huntington Street, New London, CT 06320
Hours: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare are encouraging people to connect with additional food resources in their community. To access additional food resources call 2-1-1, go to www.211ct.org, visit www.foodshare.org/help or www.ctfoodbank.org/gethelp.
About Us
Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare are Connecticut’s two regional food banks. Both are members of the national Feeding America network. Last year, Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare distributed enough food to provide nearly 40 million meals through a network of more than 700 community-based hunger-relief programs, including food pantries, community kitchens, and emergency shelters, while also working on long-term solutions. More than 8,000 volunteers help power the work of the food banks. Last year, they gave more than 62,000 hours of service.
Connecticut Food Bank is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CTFoodBank
Foodshare is on Facebook, Twitter @Foodshare and Instagram @FoodshareCT
