The average food price has skyrocketed due to corona virus pandemic and recent events. The FAO Food Price Index has saw a fresh record high of nearly 160 points.
A shocking 60% price increase over the 2014-2016 base period shows that hunger is a public health issue of critical importance.
The most vulnerable demographic of society is taking the brunt of this economic pressure. Now more than ever, low-income families must rely on Connecticut Free Clinics, Connecticut Food Stamps, and food banks.
This guide will list helpful information about Food Bank in New Haven County, Connecticut and organizations that can help curb hunger, how you can use their services and where to find them.
What is a Food Bank?
Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that assist financially vulnerable populations by distributing food. Their main objectives is to help low-income individual and families by providing food.
They will work through other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens. Sometimes they distribute the food themselves via mobile pantry.
Food Bank in New Haven County, Connecticut serves as a single collection and distribution point for food donations. They operate much like a for-profit food distributor, but they do not use retailers. Instead, they may use church food banks, charities, and other non-profit food pantries to provide food to the people to fight hunger.
How the Food Bank Works?
- 1. Food is donated to a food bank.
- 2. Its stored in a big climate controlled warehouse.
- 3. Food Bank in New Haven County, Connecticut distributes food to various non-profits for distribution.
- 4. Food reaches to who are in need.
Who can use Food Banks?
Many Food Bank in New Haven County, Connecticut and food pantries are locally run, with others managed at the state or federal level. Qualification to receive nutrition assistance from food programs depends on the type.
There are different qualifying requirements, but many food banks have none. Just show up during their days and times of operation, and they will help if they are able.
Here are the tips while .
- It is highly advisable to call ahead before you arrive!
- Ask about any eligibility or documentation requirements they may have.
- If required, bring all required documents when you use their services.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank was the first one established in California in 1972 and is the second oldest in the US. It operates multiple distribution centers across the United States.
Impact of Second Harvest Food Bank is huge, It helps 85,000 Santa Cruz residents avoid missing meals and empty stomachs.
Second Harvest Food Bank in New Haven County, Connecticut is easing the burden of impossible choices for families between food, housing, medicine, and other necessities.
St. Mary's Food Bank
The St. Mary's Food Bank was a first local food bank ever established in the United States in 1967. The St. Mary's Food Bank mission is food security and hunger relief for all Americans.
The St. Mary's distributes millions of pounds of food to the hungry each year, It also operates its own food pantries to allow allow people to access food directly from their warehouses.
It also offer specialized after-school programs for kids and career training for adults.
Church Food Bank Food Bank in New Haven County, Connecticut
Church Food Bank Food Bank in New Haven County, Connecticut serve a hot, nutritious lunch 365 days a year, even in the face of terrible weather and ever-increasing demand.
Church Food Bank welcome anyone who is in need of a meal, regardless of the person's circumstance, with no questions asked. It also provide showers, laundry, mail, I.D. assistance and other essential services.
North Branford Food Bank at North Branford Congregational Church
For many years, North Branford Congregational Church has been home to the North Branford Food Bank, collecting and distributing non-perishable food items to area residents. This volunteer organization provides food and grocery items all year round, including holiday dinner packages, to families in need--no questions asked. The foodbank is open from 1-2:30 pm on Fridays.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 488-8456 to book your appointment.
Address :
1680 Foxon Road Route 80 N,
Branford, CT 06471.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Branford
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
Feeding America
John van Hengel, the founder of St. Mary's Food Bank, went on to create a national organization for food banks. The Feeding America organization is a leader in the nation's domestic hunger-relief efforts.
The Coronavirus epidemic put even more pressure on America's most vulnerable citizens. Feeding America has helped serve 6.6 billion meals to date.
The Feeding America have grown through donations and other charitable efforts to be able to deliver much-needed food via food rescue, hunger relief programs, and disaster response.
Southbury Food Bank
Hours of Operation: Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30 am to 12:00 pm and Saturdays (2nd and 4th only) 8:30 am to 10:30 am. You must sign in no later than 20 minutes before closing to be served. Shopping visits are permitted every 2 weeks. Clients at our food bank self-shop which allows you to select food products your family will enjoy. Limits are clearly marked on shelves based on the size of your household and volunteers will be happy to assist you with any questions. Small families have 1-3 members and large families have 4 or more members. In an effort to be “green†we will provide you (free of charge) reusable bags that you will be required to bring with you each time you shop. These bags will be assigned to you at your first visit according to the number of members in your household. Bringing your bags with you is a requirement to shop. Each December, you will be required to complete and sign our annual client information and agreement form. These forms enable us to better serve your household’s needs and plan for holiday programs. Your food bank eligibility will be reviewed prior to the new year. When Region 15 schools are closed the food bank is closed.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 721-0377 to book your appointment.
Address :
88 Main St S,
Southbury, CT 06488.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Southbury
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
Hamden Food Bank
The Hamden food bank is open to Hamden residents who qualify. You will be required to provide proof or residency and family size.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 562-5129 to book your appointment.
Address :
11 Pine St,
Hamden, CT 06514.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hamden
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
Connecticut Food Bank
Connecticut Food Bank, a private, nonprofit organization, works with corporations, community organizations, and individuals to solicit, transport, warehouse and distribute donated food. By soliciting the food industry for products that will not sell –– items that are wholesome but might have some cosmetic flaw –– Connecticut Food Bank reduces waste and feeds people. Founded in 1982, Connecticut Food Bank is an affiliate of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network. Connecticut Food Bank is the largest centralized source of donated, emergency food in Connecticut. Through warehouses in East Haven, Fairfield, and Waterbury, and affiliated distribution centers in New London and Stamford, we provide food products to more than 650 soup kitchens, shelters, food pantries and child and adult day programs in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham counties.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 469-5000 to book your appointment.
Address :
150 Bradley St E,
Haven, CT 06512.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Haven
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
Guilford Food Bank
The Guilford Food Bank is a successful partnership between Guilford Interfaith Ministries and the Guilford Department of Social Services. It is an invaluable resource for the Guilford community, providing caring support for our residents and following the GIM model of “neighbor helping neighborâ€. Food Distribution: Fridays 3:00 - 4:30 PM, Saturdays 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 453-8009 to book your appointment.
Address :
45 Stone House Ln,
Guilford, CT 06437.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Guilford
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
Milford Food Bank
The Milford Food Bank is located at the Milford Senior Center, 9 Jepson Drive. The Food Bank accepts donations and distributes food to individuals of all ages in Milford.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 877-5131 to book your appointment.
Address :
9 Jepson Dr,
Milford, CT 06460.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Milford
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
Town of Middlebury Department of Social Services - Community Food Bank
Non-Perishable foods are collected by local organizations and donated to the Food Pantry for Middlebury residents in need of food and personal supplies. Food Baskets for needy families at Thanksgiving and Christmas are coordinated through this office.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 577-4166 to book your appointment.
Address :
1172 Whittemore Rd,
Middlebury, CT 06762.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Middlebury
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally run program that helps obtain badly needed food for low-income people and families. SNAP program is also known as Food Stamp.
SNAP benefits in New Haven County supplied approximately 40 million Americans in 2018. It is the most extensive nutrition program administered by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and is a vital component of the social safety net for low-income Americans.
In 2017, roughly 9.2% of American households obtained SNAP benefits, with about 16.7% of all children living in homes benefiting.
The program had used paper "stamps" or coupons in the past – worth $1 (brown), $5 (blue), and $10 (green). These were bound into small booklets of various denominations, to be torn out individually and used in single-use exchanges.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food Bank?
Specifically, New Haven County food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. How do you qualify for New Haven County food bank assistance?
To qualify for food bank assistance you must provide:
- Current state-issued ID
- Social Security numbers of all household members
- Current electric bill to prove residence
- Bank Statement for income verification