School is out.
But hunger never takes a vacation.
Food insecurity affects millions of Americans. Some are right here in Westport.
Homes with Hope — our longtime non-profit provider of emergency and supportive housing — also operates a community kitchen.
Families, individuals, and groups working with civic organizations and houses of worship have always provided the bulk of volunteers to serve meals at the Gillespie Center, the shelter behind Barnes & Noble.
It’s a rewarding experience — one that inspires first-timers, and keeps them coming back regularly.
For the past 10 years Alex Cohen — a Staples High School graduate now raising his own family here, and a member of the Westport Rotary Club — has served meals several teams a year.
A few years ago, he had signed up for a shift but had no childcare. Unwilling to cancel, he brought his 2 young children. They helped out — and loved it.
Alex, Winter and Bodhi Cohen, in the Gillespite Center kitchen. Alex’s fellow Rotarian Lennart Antell (right) made 200 meatballs by hand, for the patrons.
They begged to go back. Alex brought them a second time.
Bodhi is now 8 years old. Winter is 7. They’re still coming.
When a man asked for seconds, Winter said, “Wow, Daddy. He was hungry! And he loved your pasta.”
During a recent renovation, the Gillespie Center’s pantry was enlarged. They can store more items now — non-perishables, as well as milk, cheese, butter, eggs, and personal hygiene and household items.
After touring the new pantry, Bodhi asked his dad if they could buy “extras” on their next grocery trip. Of course, they did.
Bodhi Cohen helps restock the food pantry shelves.
Alex’s story is a great reminder of the needs in our back yard — and the many ways anyone can help.
To volunteer to serve lunch or dinner — individually, as a family or group — click here.
For information about the food pantry, click here. Drop-offs can be made weekdays (except Wednesday), from noon until p.m.
Questions? Call 203-226-3426. Click here for the Homes with Hope website.
Great job Alex I call on all Westports to serve dinner or lunch you always fell good after home for hope is a wonderful place they serve to people from all over ct . And also they have a wonderful staff that work there .