The average food price has skyrocketed due to corona virus pandemic and recent events. The FAO Food Price Index has saw a fresh record high of nearly 160 points.
A shocking 60% price increase over the 2014-2016 base period shows that hunger is a public health issue of critical importance.
The most vulnerable demographic of society is taking the brunt of this economic pressure. Now more than ever, low-income families must rely on Connecticut Free Clinics, Connecticut Food Stamps, and food banks.
This guide will list helpful information about Food Bank in Tolland County, Connecticut and organizations that can help curb hunger, how you can use their services and where to find them.
What is a Food Bank?
Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that assist financially vulnerable populations by distributing food. Their main objectives is to help low-income individual and families by providing food.
They will work through other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens. Sometimes they distribute the food themselves via mobile pantry.
Food Bank in Tolland County, Connecticut serves as a single collection and distribution point for food donations. They operate much like a for-profit food distributor, but they do not use retailers. Instead, they may use church food banks, charities, and other non-profit food pantries to provide food to the people to fight hunger.
How the Food Bank Works?
- 1. Food is donated to a food bank.
- 2. Its stored in a big climate controlled warehouse.
- 3. Food Bank in Tolland County, Connecticut distributes food to various non-profits for distribution.
- 4. Food reaches to who are in need.
Who can use Food Banks?
Many Food Bank in Tolland County, Connecticut and food pantries are locally run, with others managed at the state or federal level. Qualification to receive nutrition assistance from food programs depends on the type.
There are different qualifying requirements, but many food banks have none. Just show up during their days and times of operation, and they will help if they are able.
Here are the tips while .
- It is highly advisable to call ahead before you arrive!
- Ask about any eligibility or documentation requirements they may have.
- If required, bring all required documents when you use their services.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank was the first one established in California in 1972 and is the second oldest in the US. It operates multiple distribution centers across the United States.
Impact of Second Harvest Food Bank is huge, It helps 85,000 Santa Cruz residents avoid missing meals and empty stomachs.
Second Harvest Food Bank in Tolland County, Connecticut is easing the burden of impossible choices for families between food, housing, medicine, and other necessities.
St. Mary's Food Bank
The St. Mary's Food Bank was a first local food bank ever established in the United States in 1967. The St. Mary's Food Bank mission is food security and hunger relief for all Americans.
The St. Mary's distributes millions of pounds of food to the hungry each year, It also operates its own food pantries to allow allow people to access food directly from their warehouses.
It also offer specialized after-school programs for kids and career training for adults.
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Tolland County, Connecticut
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Tolland County, Connecticut serve a hot, nutritious lunch 365 days a year, even in the face of terrible weather and ever-increasing demand.
Church Food Bank welcome anyone who is in need of a meal, regardless of the person's circumstance, with no questions asked. It also provide showers, laundry, mail, I.D. assistance and other essential services.
Living Proof Church - Ashford Food Bank
We have a food program that helps to provide food to those that are struggling in these hard times. We are presently helping 60-90 families on a monthly basis. If you are low income or in need of food, you can contact the church for food assistance. Food distribution is usually the 4th Friday of the month from 7:00-9:00am. We are focused on helping Ashford families. Due to the great need we will only be able to provide assistance to families in Ashford, Eastford, Chaplin, Willington and church members.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 429-2923 to book your appointment.
Address :
38 Pompey Hollow Rd,
Ashford, CT 06278.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Ashford
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- Middlesex
- Hartford
Montville Union Baptist Church - Montville Food Bank
Frozen or canned meat, cereal, soup, vegetables, beans, juice, sauces, bread, bagels, personal care items, miscellaneous items and more. Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 848-3570 to book your appointment.
Address :
279 Oakdale Road Rte 163,
Montville, CT 06353.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Montville
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- Middlesex
- New Haven
- Hartford
First Congregational Church of Lebanon - Neighbors Helping Neighbors Lebanon Food Bank
Church World Service was born in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II. Seventeen denominations came together to form an agency “to do in partnership what none of us could hope to do as well alone.†The mission: Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, comfort the aged, shelter the homeless. More than 65 years later the mission remains, and the First Congregational Church of Lebanon is proud to open it’s doors to store the food needed for our Lebanon community. It’s a Joy to Give!
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 642-6179 to book your appointment.
Address :
588 Exeter Rd,
Lebanon, CT 06249.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lebanon
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- Middlesex
- New Haven
- Hartford
Feeding America
John van Hengel, the founder of St. Mary's Food Bank, went on to create a national organization for food banks. The Feeding America organization is a leader in the nation's domestic hunger-relief efforts.
The Coronavirus epidemic put even more pressure on America's most vulnerable citizens. Feeding America has helped serve 6.6 billion meals to date.
The Feeding America have grown through donations and other charitable efforts to be able to deliver much-needed food via food rescue, hunger relief programs, and disaster response.
Town of Glastonbury - Glastonbury Food Bank
Glastonbury residents who are experiencing an emergency need for food may meet with a social worker at the Riverfront Community Center to request a bag of nonperishable food items, toiletries and other essential items, as available. All of the items in the Food Bank are received through the generous donations of individuals, groups and businesses. The Food Bank operates year round, and is open Monday through Friday during the daytime.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 652-7638 to book your appointment.
Address :
300 Welles St,
Glastonbury, CT 06033.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Glastonbury
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- New Haven
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- Litchfield
Town of Cromwell Senior and Human Services Department - Food Bank
Residents facing financial difficulty may receive an assortment of non-perishable food items.The food bank operates a pre-bagged distribution food program. The Town of Cromwell’s Human Services Division has begun a new collaborative effort with Bingo Bakery USA on Shunpike Road that will allow us to provide our clients with fresh bakery items on a regular basis. We hold bakery distribution days for these fresh baked goods on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 11AM-2PM only. No pre-registration is required. These items are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that participation in this distribution is not in substitution for your normal monthly food bank order and therefore, you may still call during the month for food, if needed.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 632-3449 to book your appointment.
Address :
41 West St,
Cromwell, CT 06416.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Cromwell
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- New Haven
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- Litchfield
Town of Avon Food Pantry/Bank
Community donations of non-perishable food items allow emergency assistance to residents throughout the year. During the holiday season, we provide food and gifts to low and moderate income families to brighten their holidays. The Food Bank is open Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and is located in the back of Saint Ann's Church (corner of West Avon Road and Arch Road). If you have never visited the Food Pantry, please call Social Services at (860) 409-4346 or visit the office for eligibility requirements and to fill out an application.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 409-4346 to book your appointment.
Address :
289 Arch Rd,
Avon, CT 06001.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Avon
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- Litchfield
- Tolland
- New London
Town of East Hampton - Food Bank
The Food Bank is staffed and run by volunteers. Donations are always appreciated. Hours: Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 267-7300 to book your appointment.
Address :
240 Middletown Ave E,
Hampton, CT 06424.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Hampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- Middlesex
- Hartford
Food Bank of Marlborough
The Food Bank of Marlborough serves qualified residents of Marlborough, Connecticut. The hours of operation are 10 am to noon and 3:30 to 5:30 pm on Tuesdays, and the first Saturday of each month from 10 am to noon (donations only). Additionally, donations can be taken to the food drop off box at Marlborough Town Hall (non-perishable items), or at the Marlborough Elementary School office, which will accept monetary donations or non-perishable items (hours: school year 8 am-4 pm: summer 8:30 am-3pm). Donations can also be made to the administrative office during open hours. Students are encouraged to bring donations to school for drop-off. The Food Bank of Marlborough is now a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and is sponsored by the Congregational Church of Marlborough. The Food Bank of Marlborough is managed by Joanne Goode and Dave Wagner and is staffed by volunteers.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 295-6008 to book your appointment.
Address :
3 Wilhenger Dr,
Marlborough, CT 06447.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Marlborough
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- New Haven
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- Litchfield
The Joan C. Dauber Food Bank at Saint Francis
Some Facts About Our Food Bank: Opened in 1976; 1st hospital-based food bank in the nation; Serves over 1,100 families each month; Distributes over 134 tons of food annually; In 2013, served over 1,500 families at Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas; In 2013, hospital employees contributed 4,000 pounds of food and raised over $25,000 - just for the holiday food drive
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 714-5174 to book your appointment.
Address :
500 Blue Hills Ave,
Hartford, CT 06112.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Hartford
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- Tolland
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- Litchfield
- New Haven
- New London
Town of Colchester Youth & Social Services Department - Food Bank
Youth & Social Services works to eliminate hunger in Colchester by providing food and other necessities to our most vulnerable neighbors in a dignified and respectful manner. On average, the food bank serves 150-200 families providing 5,000-6,000 pounds of food each month! Our goal is to provide residents with staples that supplement their regular monthly shopping. Our food bank allows people to choose their own items rather than pre-packing bags for families. This reduces waste and allows for personal preferences to be considered. The food bank is available to any Colchester resident who is in financial need; regardless of age, job status or family size. The items that we purchase with the funds that are generously donated include: milk, bread, meat, fresh fruits & vegetables, cereal, oatmeal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, beans, mac & cheese, soup, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and toilet paper. We also belong to the Gemma Moran Food Bank in New London. Each week three of our dedicated volunteers drive to New London to select foods for our food bank. These are usually fresh and frozen foods and often include meat, produce, dairy items (cold juices, yogurt, etc.), prepared frozen foods and other other surplus items. Our volunteers also pick up the "day old" baked goods from our local Stop & Shop and Starbuck's stores each week. Additionally, vouchers for the Colchester farmer's market are provided throughout the season.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 537-7255 to book your appointment.
Address :
127 Norwich Ave Ste 205,
Colchester, CT 06415.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Colchester
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- New London
- Tolland
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- New Haven
Guilford Food Bank
The Guilford Food Bank is a successful partnership between Guilford Interfaith Ministries and the Guilford Department of Social Services. It is an invaluable resource for the Guilford community, providing caring support for our residents and following the GIM model of “neighbor helping neighborâ€. Food Distribution: Fridays 3:00 - 4:30 PM, Saturdays 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (203) 453-8009 to book your appointment.
Address :
45 Stone House Ln,
Guilford, CT 06437.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Guilford
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Haven
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- Fairfield
- Litchfield
- New London
- Tolland
Windsor Food and Fuel Bank
Founded in 1967 as the Windsor Community Service Council in Windsor, CT, the Windsor Food and Fuel Bank is a non-profit organization of concerned private volunteer citizens. The goal of the WCSC is to help people in need in the Town of Windsor. The Council is an advocate for those in need and their mission is to make sure that no person goes hungry, is cold, or is without basic necessities. In working closely with the Town of Windsor through the Social Services Division, the Windsor Food & Fuel Bank provides: The Windsor Food Bank, Emergency assistance with utilities through the Windsor Fuel Bank, Providing emergency funding for other basic needs. The Windsor Food Bank provides supplemental food for low income Windsor residents. It is located at the L.P. Wilson Community center and is stocked with dry and canned goods as well as fresh fruits and vegetables and frozen meat. Currently there are 461 registered households. The Food Bank is coordinated by Windsor Social Services and is staffed by Social Services staff and an amazing group of volunteers. To qualify to use the Food Bank you must be Windsor resident and meet certain financial eligibility guidelines.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (860) 285-1839 to book your appointment.
Address :
599 Matianuck Ave,
Windsor, CT 06095.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Windsor
Help Residents of Counties:
- Windham
- Tolland
- Middlesex
- Hartford
- Litchfield
- New Haven
- New London
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally run program that helps obtain badly needed food for low-income people and families. SNAP program is also known as Food Stamp.
SNAP benefits in Tolland County supplied approximately 40 million Americans in 2018. It is the most extensive nutrition program administered by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and is a vital component of the social safety net for low-income Americans.
In 2017, roughly 9.2% of American households obtained SNAP benefits, with about 16.7% of all children living in homes benefiting.
The program had used paper "stamps" or coupons in the past – worth $1 (brown), $5 (blue), and $10 (green). These were bound into small booklets of various denominations, to be torn out individually and used in single-use exchanges.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food Bank?
Specifically, Tolland County food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. How do you qualify for Tolland County food bank assistance?
To qualify for food bank assistance you must provide:
- Current state-issued ID
- Social Security numbers of all household members
- Current electric bill to prove residence
- Bank Statement for income verification