SPECIAL NOTICE TO OUR COMMUNITY AS OF 3/29/2020:
After much agonizing, we have decided to suspend the Mobile Food Pantry deployments until further notice as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have had amazing staff and volunteer support over the last couple of weeks (thanks to many of you) and we have served triple our typical client numbers. However, it requires a significant number of volunteers to pre-bag all of the food and even more to distribute it efficiently. These large groups of volunteers are now a huge safety concern, making social distancing nearly impossible both in the Food Bank and at the Mobile sites.
It is important to note that we do not make this decision lightly. In the event that someone has the virus and has had contact with staff or volunteers in the warehouse, the Food Bank may have to close and will not be able to provide any food to the community – a major, systemic impact on our entire network of food pantries, community meal sites, and their clients.
The good news is that we have a large, local network of programs in New London County that make up the emergency feeding system. Please click here to download the latest list of these programs and their own distribution hours/locations/requirements (latest update of this document 3/30/2020).
- Please know that the current Member Agencies of our Food Bank (food that would normally be on the Mobile Pantry) will be provided with additional food to serve increased need.
Additionally, in an effort to fulfill the current need in our community in a safe and efficient manner, the Food Bank is looking for temporary partners to help us meet the needs and distribute in remote, onsite locations where further services are needed. We are committed to continue to serve our neighbors amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with safety and well being of our clients and volunteers in mind. To apply for temporary membership status, organizations must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Non-Profit Organization with a valid 501(C ) 3 tax-exempt certificate or local municipality.
- Have an existing emergency food pantry or community meal site.
- Be based in New London County with all food being distributed within the New London County area.
- Provide food or meals to the public at least once a month.
- Not charge for food nor be reimbursed, compensated, or required services in exchange for food.
- Be registered with 2-1-1. To register visit www.211ct.org.
- Be in existence for a minimum of 6 months.
To apply for temporary Member Agency status, please click here to complete an online form. Please direct questions about the application process to Jennifer, Member Services Manager, at jennifer.blanco@uwsect.org or 860.464.3327.
VOLUNTEERS! We, and our Member Agencies, are in need of volunteers. If you are healthy and would like to get involved, please contact Lindsay, at lindsay.poulos@uwsect.org or 860.464.3338.
We sincerely thank you for your patience as we all cope and struggle during these times. Please stay safe and healthy, from all of us at United Way!
