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The Role the Food Pantry

As we head into spring, I thought I would take this opportunity to remind everyone the role the East Haven Food Pantry plays in our community. The pantry was established in the 1980s to help supplement local families with a three-day emergency supply of food to East Haven residents who need assistance. Eligibility requirements: Clients need to be an East Haven resident and provide proof of residency by bringing with them each time they visit the pantry their driver’s license or state-issued ID and a piece of mail reflecting their current East Haven address. The piece of mail can be a utility bill in their name, a copy of their lease, car registration, or a piece of junk mail with their name and address printed on it. Clients are allowed to visit the pantry twice a month for supplemental food.

Our pantry operates strictly on food and monetary donations. The monetary donations are used to purchase non-perishable food from the CT Food Bank and local grocery stores. When shopping, we look for the best prices, which sometimes include generic labels rather than brand-name labels. The generic-labeled food is just as good and nutritious as brand name label foods, but is sometimes half the price allowing us to purchase more, which is needed as we are currently serving more than 300 local families.

Finally, hours of operation for the pantry are Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. (clients need to be checked in by 10:45 a.m.) and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon (clients need to be checked in by 11:45 a.m.). Those not checked in by the posted time will need to visit the pantry the next time we are open.

Dianne Romans, President

East Haven Food Pantry