A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in New London, Connecticut distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around New London, Connecticut from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - New London Corps
Services provided :
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 443-6409 to book your appointment.
Address :
11 Governor Winthrop Blvd,
New London, CT 06320.
Get Directions
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- New London
The Salvation Army - Norwich Corps
Food Pantry - Tuesdays to Thursdays – 1:00 to 3:00PM. The Salvation Army is known for providing a broad array of services and feeding people has always been a major part of its mission. The Army serves men, women and children. Many of the adults are single parents. The Army is always there to help! Feeding Program - 2nd Sundays – 1:45 to 2:45PM
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 889-2329 to book your appointment.
Address :
262 Main St,
Norwich, CT 06360.
Get Directions
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- Norwich
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around New London, Connecticut have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 2 Church Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. James Episcopal Church - The Lord's Pantry
The work of The Lord's Pantry is divided into two areas: Financial Assistance and Food Staples. The Financial Assistance mission helps those who need one-time help for items like prescriptions, large gas or water bill, transportation home, or a pair of work boots. Funding comes from our operating budget, from donations given to Fr. Michael at weddings and funerals, and from your donations. Financial Assistance is available by appointment. The Food Mission is the most visible part of our ministry, and the one that gets the greatest use. Often we can help people with non-perishable staples so that they can use their own cash for other problems. In the winter, people often have larger demands made on their cash for medical, heating, clothing and other bills. The flexibility that these staples provide is not only healthful and sustaining, it also helps our guests retain a stronger sense of independence and self-reliance. For food doners, it is a way you can supplement your pledge to the essential community work of St James so that The Lord's Pantry can be a self-sustaining ministry... a negligible burden on the budget. The Lord's Pantry is open Weekdays, 9:30 AM-12 noon.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 443-4989 to book your appointment.
Address :
76 Federal St,
New London, CT 06320.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- New London
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church - Holy Family Food Pantry
We are created in love and for love to serve others in this life. Our vision of faith recognizes the reality of the Mystical Body of which we are all members in Christ. In the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul, Apostle of charity and our patron of the works of charity, we serve the needy among us with whom we are to journey in charity. In the poor whom we serve, we see and know the crucified, suffering Christ. We see in these members the need for food, clothing and shelter. We serve these poor in many ways. Our food pantry aids hundreds of families a month by providing food and donations of clothing. In faith and charity we continue to ask the Lord, through the intercession of St. Vincent de Paul, to bless these works of charity that directly impact the needy members of the Mystical Body of Christ in a way that shows the care and concern of the Master. The Holy Family Food Pantry is located in the Motherhouse in Baltic, CT. We welcome any nonperishable food items and frozen meat to allow our pantry to continue to help the poor.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 822-8241 to book your appointment.
Address :
54 W Main St,
Baltic, CT 06330.
Get Directions
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- Baltic
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in New London, Connecticut are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 2 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. - New London Office
Emergency help for families facing emergency situations can be found at Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Willimantic. The primary goal of Emergency Services and Case Management Services is to provide , information and referrals to community resources, as well as case management for individuals and families in crisis situations to help meet their immediate basic needs.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 443-5328 to book your appointment.
Address :
28 Huntington St,
New London, CT 06320.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- New London
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. - Norwich Office
Emergency help for families facing emergency situations can be found at Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Willimantic. The primary goal of Emergency Services and Case Management Services is to provide , information and referrals to community resources, as well as case management for individuals and families in crisis situations to help meet their immediate basic needs.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 889-8346 to book your appointment.
Address :
331 Main St,
Norwich, CT 06360.
Get Directions
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- Norwich
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- New London
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around New London, Connecticut almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around New London, Connecticut in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2024
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in New London, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around New London, Connecticut much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 1 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Place
Currently operating out of the former St. Joseph's School building in downtown Norwich, CT, St. Vincent de Paul Place is a community meal site and food pantry that strives to meet the needs of homeless people and families with limited income in the greater Norwich area. Established by the Catholic Diocese of Norwich in 1979, our goal is to provide food, companionship, and advocacy for anyone in need, regardless of race or religion. We seek to not only meet the immediate needs of those who come to us, but to also promote a more independent lifestyle. Our primary services are our kitchen and dining area which serves breakfast and lunch six days a week, and our food pantry which distributes food three days a week. In addition we also offer shower and laundry facilities. We do our best to meet any other needs our clients may have. We also serve as a location to perform assigned community service. We serve breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. We open our doors for breakfast at 8:00am and it is available until 10:00am. Lunch starts at 11:30am and is available until 1:00pm. For breakfast we serve hot and cold cereal, toast, and pastries. Coffee, juice, and fruit are also always offered. We often serve breakfast specials. Lunch is a full meal of one of the following: turkey, chicken, beef, fish, or pasta, all served with a vegetable, bread, and dessert. We often include soup and/or salad. Our dining area is open from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome to come in out of the weather. Our food pantry distributes food three days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. On Monday and Wednesday food distribution runs from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. On Saturday our distribution time is from 9:00am until 11:00am. To receive food a short eligibility form must be completed. Clients may come for food once a week. The food bag process is a client-choice system where each person chooses items from our selection. We strive to offer canned soup, pasta with sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, canned vegetables, bread, and dessert every week. We often have other foods available including fresh fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, chips and snacks, and other donated foods.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 889-7374 to book your appointment.
Address :
120 Cliff St,
Norwich, CT 06360.
Get Directions
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- Norwich
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around New London, Connecticut area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 14 Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Gemma E. Moran United Way/ Labor Food Center
Since 1988, the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, located in New London, has played a key role in providing one of the building blocks to a good quality of life by feeding food insecure individuals and families all across our community. Alleviating Hunger in New London County. The Food Center is one of three food banks in the state. Every year, the Food Center distributes more than two million pounds of donated, surplus food to 96 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, child care centers, community meal sites, and programs for the elderly. These member agencies in turn provide food and meals to 20,000 men, women and children throughout New London County each month. The Food Center is an official Partner Distribution Organization (PDO). This status ensures a partnership with the Connecticut Food Bank in East Haven, the largest food bank in the state, to provide a product allocation based on poverty levels as determined by the census. Through the CT Food Bank, we are also a member of Feeding America which allows the purchase of approximately $7 worth of food for every $1.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 444-8050 to book your appointment.
Address :
374 Broad St,
New London, CT 06320.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- New London
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
New London Area Food Pantry
The New London Area Food Pantry is located in the basement (use side entrance) of the O.I.C. Building at 106 Truman St., New London, CT. Our hours of operation are: Monday 2 to 4pm, Tuesday 10 to 12am and Thursday 10 to 12am. Objective: To give each person a 3 day emergency supply of food.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 443-6680 to book your appointment.
Address :
106 Truman St,
New London, CT 06320.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- New London
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Senior and Community Services at the JFEC
The JFEC offers a variety of activities and support services for Seniors and the general community. If you are having an acute crisis that requires some guidance and assistance, we may be able to be of help. We have a food pantry which is open Mondays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bring a photo ID or another form of ID that shows your permanent address. A Kosher Hot Lunch for people 60+ is offered on Mondays in New London at Congregation Beth El and on Tuesdays in Norwich at Beth Jacob Synagogue. The lunch is usually followed by an activity or program. A small voluntary donation per meal is requested. Excursions are offered weekly, as are trips to the theater and movies. If you are isolated and unable to get out of the house easily we can arrange for pick ups, and help you get to doctor’s appointments or go shopping. We also assist with the online purchase and delivery of groceries from either Stop & Shop or ShopRite. We also offer utility and oil assistance through FEMA and the United Way of Southeastern CT, respectively. We can also provide some direct minimal assistance and help you find and navigate your way through state or other local social service agencies that may be able to assist you. If you want to remain in your home, or transition back to your home from the hospital or a convalescent center we can help with that transition.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 444-6333 to book your appointment.
Address :
28 Channing St,
New London, CT 06320.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- New London
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
The New London Community Meal Center Inc.
The New London Community Meal Center was established in 1985 in the New London area. It was created to respond to the needs of New London's most vulnerable residents by providing nutritious meals in a kind, hospitable and clean environment. The organization currently provides lunch five days a week and dinner six days a week, including Saturday dinner served by a downtown New London church. The New London Community Meal Center served 73,518 meals to 35,000 in one fiscal year.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 444-7745 to book your appointment.
Address :
12 Montauk Ave,
New London, CT 06320.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- New London
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Town of Ledyard - Ledyard Food Locker
Ledyard Food Locker is available to any Ledyard or Gales Ferry resident who can demonstrate financial need. Anyone wishing to utilize the food locker for the first time must provide the following: Proof of Ledyard / Gales Ferry residency; Name / Date of Birth for all household members; Last four weeks of income (for all household members); Most recent bank statement (for all household members); All household bills; 1040 Tax Form; Individuals must also sign a Release of Liability Form. The food locker is stocked entirely through donations. Therefore, Ledyard Social Services cannot guarantee the availability of any specific item(s). The food locker is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 am - 11:30 am and 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 464-3254 to book your appointment.
Address :
741 Colonel Ledyard Hwy,
Ledyard, CT 06339.
Get Directions
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- Ledyard
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Town of Groton Human Services Department - Social Services - Groton Food Locker
The Food Locker is utilized year-round to help Groton households in need of emergency food assistance
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 441-6760 to book your appointment.
Address :
2 Fort Hill Rd,
Groton, CT 06340.
Get Directions
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- Groton
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Care & Share of East Lyme, Inc.
Care & Share of East Lyme, Inc. provides food, financial and emergency support to individuals and families in East Lyme/Niantic and Salem, Connecticut. As an all-volunteer organization, Care & Share operates a year-round food pantry (including paper, household and cleaning products) and delivers bread and seasonal food baskets to local residents. It also provides emergency financial, housing and energy assistance, camperships, scholarships, and emergency snacks and clothing to local school children. Over the December holidays, we support the community with a winter coat program, special food baskets, gift baskets and a gift store where families may shop free of charge for Christmas or Chanukah.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 739-8502 to book your appointment.
Address :
12 Roxbury Rd,
Niantic, CT 06357.
Get Directions
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- Niantic
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - East Lyme Pantry
Our pantries located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme provide enough food for three meals for three days for those who attend, and those in their household. The food distributed includes both fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non- perishable canned and packaged food and heat-n-eat meals. Those in need are welcome to attend one distribution per week. Food Pantry: Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 388-1988 to book your appointment.
Address :
400 Main St,
Niantic, CT 06357.
Get Directions
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- Niantic
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Norwich Worship Center - Food Pantry
The Food Pantry ministry distributes food to those in need in our community. The Food Pantry at the Norwich Worship Center began 30 plus years ago as Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. With weekly food distributions, and Thanksgiving baskets being the focus of the ministry. Many people have worked diligentily over the years to help this ministry grow and be able to help many families each and every week. Over the years we have created partnerships with other organizations like the Gemma Moran United Way Food Center, Panera in Lisbon, nd the St. Vincent Depaul Soup Kitchen.Each Tuesday registration to pick up food begins at 12:30 pm. Food Distribution begins at 1pm -2pm. Each week we encourage the members of our fellowship to bring donations for the food bank to our weekly services. If you or your family are in need of Food, please feel free to call our Church at 860-822-9522, so that we can put you in touch with the Food Pantry. If you are visiting the Food Pantry for the first time please bring a Photo ID, and a copy of the utility bill.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 822-9522 to book your appointment.
Address :
165 Lawler Ln,
Norwich, CT 06360.
Get Directions
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- Norwich
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Old Lyme Pantry and Meal Site
Our pantries located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme provide enough food for three meals for three days for those who attend, and those in their household. The food distributed includes both fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non- perishable canned and packaged food and heat-n-eat meals. Those in need are welcome to attend one distribution per week. Our meal sites are located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Old Lyme. Hot nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers and served family style. Those in need are welcome to attend all our meal sites. All who enter our doors will be welcomed and will be served to the best of our ability. Those who attend our pantries and meals sites do not need to prove they are in need; only come and be served. We know that we could all end up needing a pantry, that empathy makes us committed to being welcoming and caring. All our meals and services are free of charge. Food Pantry: Saturdays 9:00 - 11:00 am; Meal: Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 388-1988 to book your appointment.
Address :
2 Ferry Rd,
Old Lyme, CT 06371.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Old Lyme
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center - Emergency Food Locker
The Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, founded in 1985, is a multi-purpose facility which offers a variety of social, educational, health and human services programs with an emphasis on community spirit.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 599-3285 to book your appointment.
Address :
27 Chase St,
Pawcatuck, CT 06379.
Get Directions
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- Pawcatuck
Help Residents of Counties:
- New London
Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Essex Meal Site
Our meal sites are located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Old Lyme. Hot nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers and served family style. Those in need are welcome to attend all our meal sites. All who enter our doors will be welcomed and will be served to the best of our ability. All our meals and services are free of charge. Meal: Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 388-1988 to book your appointment.
Address :
10 Prospect St,
Essex, CT 06426.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Essex
Help Residents of Counties:
- Middlesex
Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Old Saybrook Meal Site
Our meal sites are located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Old Lyme. Hot nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers and served family style. Those in need are welcome to attend all our meal sites. All who enter our doors will be welcomed and will be served to the best of our ability. All our meals and services are free of charge. Meal: Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 388-1988 to book your appointment.
Address :
336 Main St,
Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Old Saybrook
Help Residents of Counties:
- Middlesex
Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Old Saybrook Pantry
Our pantries located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme provide enough food for three meals for three days for those who attend, and those in their household. The food distributed includes both fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non- perishable canned and packaged food and heat-n-eat meals. Those in need are welcome to attend one distribution per week. Food Pantry: Tuesdays 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 388-1988 to book your appointment.
Address :
366 Main St,
Old Saybrook, CT 06475.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Old Saybrook
Help Residents of Counties:
- Middlesex
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in New London, Connecticut
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
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 pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.