Bridgeport Hospital and Connecticut Foodshare Celebrate Milestone in Community Food Assistance Initiative
Bridgeport, Connecticut – Bridgeport Hospital, in collaboration with Connecticut Foodshare, is set to celebrate a significant achievement as its mobile food pantry initiative reaches its 20,000th food allotment on November 26, 2023. This landmark milestone underscores the program’s crucial role in addressing food insecurity in the local community since its inception in 2019.
The mobile food pantry, which typically serves upwards of 200 households during each distribution, has reinforced the vital support network for families facing food access challenges. “We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone,” stated Gina Smith, Manager of Community Health in the Office of Health Equity and Community Impact at Bridgeport Hospital, a subsidiary of Yale New Haven Health. Smith emphasized the program’s importance, noting, “We see firsthand how many families in our community face challenges meeting their basic needs. Through our partnership with Connecticut Foodshare, we are not only addressing food insecurity but also alleviating stress for families, showcasing that our community cares.”
The upcoming distribution on November 26 is particularly significant, taking place just before the Thanksgiving holiday. To accommodate the schedule, the pantry will open early at 9 a.m., with numbers distributed to families in line starting at 8:30 a.m. This arrangement allows families to secure essential food items ahead of the holiday, a time traditionally marked by family gatherings and shared meals.
In addition to the standard food allotments provided by Connecticut Foodshare, attendees at this distribution will receive an extra bag of shelf-stable holiday food items, courtesy of the Northeast Medical Group Community Outreach Committee’s holiday food drive. These additional provisions are intended to enhance the holiday experience for families, enabling them to partake in more festive meals. The Bridgeport Fire Department will also participate in the event, lending support by helping with the distribution of food items.
Looking ahead, Bridgeport Hospital has scheduled additional mobile pantry dates for December 10, January 7, and January 21. Community members in need of food assistance are encouraged to visit the mobile pantry locator at www.ctfoodshare.org for a complete list of upcoming distribution dates and locations.
The ongoing collaboration between Bridgeport Hospital and Connecticut Foodshare exemplifies a dedicated effort to combat food insecurity, ensuring that vulnerable families have access to nutritious food. Such initiatives are critical, particularly in the wake of economic challenges that have heightened food access issues for many families across the state. By fostering partnerships and community engagement, these organizations continue to make a meaningful impact in the fight against hunger.
