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Community Corner

Local Food Pantries Help Fill In The Cracks For Families

With high unemployment causes more families to seek help.

With unemployment in the state continuing to hover above 8 percent for the last two years, safety nets provided by local food shelf services are more critical than ever.

The state’s Labor Department recently reported the state unemployment rate dipped to 8.9 percent in September, the first time it was below 9 percent since November 2009.

East Windsor Boy Scouts recently held its annual food drive for the . Kevin Pedersen, Cubmaster of Pack 89, said the Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts distribute between 4,500 and 5,000 bags throughout town for the annual Food Drive.

“It ran pretty well this year, collection was down a little this year, but with times the way they are, it was a good response,” he said.

He said the food drive was moved earlier this year, so the Five Corner Cupboard volunteers would have more time to organize and get ready for the holiday baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Marie Groves, co-coordinator of the Five Corner Cupboard, said it had become too hectic to have the food drive right before Thanksgiving. The food pantry is at the First Congregational Church of East Windsor, at 124 Scantic Road.

The food pantry serves about 100 to 140 families each month. She said about 40 percent are singles or couples, and the rest have children. It is completely staffed by volunteers.

Groves said she has volunteered at the food pantry for four or five years, she originally helped out stocking shelves and now donates 20-30 hours a week depending on how busy things get. She and Dee Stathers coordinate the program, which has been run by the church since the 1970s.

“We have been seeing one or two new families every week it seems,” she said. “I think it has been increasing during the last six months or so.”

She attributed the economy and the unemployment rate to the increase. She said some clients have been out of work for awhile, and now unemployment benefits may be running out as well.

She said they made about 100 Thanksgiving baskets last year. The Visiting Nurses Association and East Windsor Human Services also distribute baskets at the holidays.
The food pantry is still in need of juice, mixed fruit and applesauce. Personal care items also can be donated.

“We are really blessed to be supported by our community, all our donations are from individuals and local businesses,” Groves said. “Local businesses host golf tournaments and food drives to support us throughout the year. We also have individuals who support us on a monthly basis.”

Elizabeth Burns, Director of Human Services for East Windsor, said clients are screened through her office for the program. Her office also has a Food Shelf for emergency situations, if residents need items immediately and the Five Corner Cupboard isn’t open.

“It is a cooperative and collaborative relationship with the town and the Five Corner Cupboard,” Burns said. “We have seen an increase in need in all services in town due to the economy. It can include people on fixed income, working families as well as people who are unemployed and facing a loss in benefits.”

Janet Leiper, Social Services Director for Windsor Locks, said the town’s FoodShelf serves between 35-45 families a week. To see if you qualify for assistance, call her office at 627-1446, ext. 304 for more information.

The Windsor Locks FoodShelf is open on a weekly basis. Donations are accepted throughout the year, cash donations also are welcome.

Windsor Locks Boy Scouts will be having its annual food drive on Nov. 19, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Leiper said they usually have a great response.

“It helps us stock our shelves through the winter, for our Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets,” she said.


How you can help:
The is still in need of juice, mixed fruit and applesauce. Personal care items also can be donated.

Monetary donations are accepted year round and can be sent to Five Corner Cupboard, 124 Scantic Road, East Windsor Ct. 06088

The Windsor Locks FoodShelf is especially in need of: beef stew, canned turkey, canned chicken, applesauce, apricots, peaches, pears, mixed fruit, tuna helper, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, pasta side dishes, Rice-A-Roni, Jello, pudding, powdered milk and crackers. Please check expiration dates on products if you are donating from your own pantry.

Monetary donations to the Windsor Locks FoodShelf can be sent to: FoodShelf c/o Janet Leiper, 50 Church St., Windsor Locks, CT 06096

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