The halt in SNAP (food stamp) benefits for millions of American during the government shutdown has gotten plenty of media attention.
It’s exacerbated by rising prices for food (and other items) — and uncertainty over what’s ahead for health insurance.
The national press is filled with stories of long lines at overwhelmed food pantries. People in line — some for the first time ever — talk about uncertainty, fear, and the very real pocketbook choices they must make.
It’s a frightening problem everywhere.
Including Westport.
Homes with Hope — the 41-year-old non-profit dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County — runs an important food pantry.
It’s well stocked, and has always served a steady clientele.
Last week saw a surge in visitors.
Last week also saw, Homes with Hope says, “the true power of community.”
Since November 1 — the day SNAP benefits stopped — the pantry at the Jesup Road Gillespie Center, behind Barnes & Noble, has seen a 70% increase in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance.
Stocking up, at the Gillespie Center food pantry.
In just 4 days Homes with Hope greeted nearly 400 people, representing nearly 1,200 adults and children. New faces appeared every day.
The aid they receive is essential. Clients are grateful that the pantry helps relieve stress and uncertainty — and with healthy food. (The pantry includes meat and perishable goods, along with non-perishables.)
To help serve the increased number of visitors, and reduce wait times, HwH has introduced a “Grab & Go” program. Quick pick-ups of pre-packed essential and fresh items can save 2 to 3 hours in line.
“Grab & Go” food, outside the Gillespie Center.
Homes with Hope says, “This overwhelming demand was met with overwhelming generosity. We thank everyone who participated in recent food drives, dropped off donations at the Gillespie Center, contributed financially, or sent items from our Amazon Wish List.
“Our shelves are still fully stocked during a time of urgent need. Westport always steps up!”
Residents have generously shopped, using Homes with Hope’s Amazon wish list. Food is delivered quickly to Westport.
Homes with Hope also thanks food retail partners: CT Foodshare, Trader Joe’s, Food Rescue US, Fresh Market and Stew Leonard’s. Their contributions of fresh, healthy food enable HwH to meet rapidly growing needs.
Pantry organizers are also grateful for the encouragement of local officials. Several visited this week — including 1st and 2nd Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, and state legislators — and affirmed their strong commitment to helping address food insecurity in this area.
From left: Homes with Hope director of development Katharine Murray, State Senator Ceci Maher, HwH board chair Becky Martin, State Representatives Dominique Johnson and Jonathan Steinberg.
“This has been an unprecedented week,” Homes with Hope notes.
“We look forward to greater stability and clarity in the SNAP program moving forward. We remain committed to ensuring that every person who needs help will find a warm welcome — and a full bag of groceries.”
NOTE: Food donations can be dropped off any time. The Gillespie Center on Jesup Road is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click here to donate cash, enabling Homes with Hope to purchase food.
The pantry is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1:30 to 4.30 p.m., and Thursday from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Another way to help: Shop directly from Greens Farms Church’s Amazon Wish List (click here).
Homes with Hope’s Community Kitchen is open daily for lunch (12 noon) and dinner (5 p.m.). It is at the Gillespie Center on Jesup Road (behind Barnes & Noble).
Homes with Hope staff members — including CEO and president Helen McAlinden — offer individual tours of their facility. Call McAlinden: 475-225-5292.
Volunteers are always welcome — in the food pantry, and to serve meals at the Gillespie Center.
Click here for the Homes with Hope website.
FURTHER NOTE: Governor Ned Lamont announced yesterday that all eligible Connecticut households that receive food assistance through SNAP will have full amounts for November transferred onto their EBT cards within the next several days.
State funding will fill the lapse in federal funding, if the US Department of Agriculture does not follow Thursday’s federal court order to provide full benefits for November.
Dan, your post on the need for donations to local food banks is a necessity. This morning over breakfast I was looking at the different food banks to donate all the money from Thursday’s book sales at my book launch. You made it easy by giving me all these local choices. Thanks again,
Frank Murgalo
The Amazon Wish List makes it so easy to donate.
Every Westporter who has the means to help should click on the link and contribute to the Gillespie Food Pantry. Even a small donation of one or two items makes a huge difference.
It’s simple and feels great knowing you are helping families that are struggling to put food on their tables.