United for Gemma Benefit Gala

The deadline for program book ads and sponsorships has passed.

Tickets to United for Gemma have sold out. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email Rebecca Reutlinger.

"You can't be productive on an empty belly." - Gemma Moran

Your contribution to this fund will help us ensure Gemma's legacy continues for another 35 years and beyond. All designations to the Gemma Legacy Fund will be invested to collectively create sustainable support for the ongoing operation of the Food Center program.

One of United Way’s strategic goals is to best position the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center to eliminate food insecurity in New London County so we can keep our residents healthy and well-fed by making sure food is available when our community needs it most.

Through her work at United Way as the region’s first Labor Liaison, Gemma saw families in our community struggling to put food on their tables. Her determination to help, along with the support of Labor and United Way, led to the formation of our Food Center 35 years ago.

In 1988 the Food Center was housed in a small, 10,000-square-foot brick building at the Uncas on Thames campus in Norwich, had six member food pantries, and provided the equivalent of 360,000 meals.

Today, the 20,000-square-foot warehouse in New London has multiple walk-in freezers and refrigerators, a Mobile Pantry program, and 72 member agencies that collectively serve as our community’s food assistance network. This past year, the Food Center distributed the equivalent of 1.8 million meals throughout New London County.