As grocery prices continue to rise, families across Connecticut are turning to local food pantries for relief. Connecticut Foodshare estimates that about one in seven residents – roughly 560,000 people – are currently facing hunger. The organization reports a noticeable increase in visits to its mobile food pantry sites.
Mobile pantry expansion reaches more neighborhoods
“We definitely have seen a rise in the number of people visiting the mobile food pantries,” said Sulema DePeyster, individual giving manager at Connecticut Foodshare. The nonprofit now operates more than 100 mobile pantry locations, offering a “no‑questions‑asked” model to reduce stigma for those in need. Residents can locate the nearest pantry by texting “FOODSHARE” to 85511 or by consulting the online mobile pantry map on the agency’s website.
Windsor sees sharp enrollment increase
In Windsor, the Windsor Food and Fuel Bank reports a 25% rise in enrollment over the past six months. President Wells Lindsay attributes the surge to soaring grocery prices. “It’s getting more and more expensive,” he said. “I can’t believe some of the prices I’m seeing there. Meat going up exponentially, just the regular produce and things like that.”
Lindsay noted that families relying on SNAP benefits are feeling the squeeze, with benefits no longer lasting as far into the month. “The benefits would last three weeks before; now they’re lasting two weeks, and they’re looking to fill in the gap somewhere,” he explained.
How families can get assistance
Connecticut Foodshare emphasizes that help is readily available and confidential. “There will definitely be one near you, and there will be a no‑questions‑asked model too,” DePeyster said.
For Windsor residents, the Windsor Food and Fuel Bank encourages anyone in need to call and set up an appointment. “They can help a lot of people in a lot of different ways. All they have to do is call, they can set up an appointment,” Lindsay added.
Community response and next steps
Local churches, civic groups, and businesses have begun coordinating donations and volunteer efforts to support the increased demand. Volunteers are helping to stock mobile units, sort donations, and distribute meals directly to families.
Officials stress that while immediate assistance is critical, long‑term solutions will require addressing the root causes of food insecurity, including affordable housing, living‑wage jobs, and stable SNAP funding. In the meantime, the expanded network of mobile pantries aims to ensure that no Connecticut family goes hungry.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
