Connecticut Foodshare and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Sign New Seven-Year Agreement to Expand Food Access In New London County
Connecticut Foodshare and United Way of Southeastern Connecticut have signed a new seven-year contract to strengthen access to food assistance across New London County, extending a longstanding partnership between the two organizations.
Through this renewed agreement, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center will expand its ability to provide nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger by continuing to leverage Connecticut Foodshare’s extensive network of retail partners in the region and gain access to food purchased with state funding that is administered by Connecticut Foodshare. This collaboration will support food rescue efforts and increase distribution through local food pantries, meal providers, and mobile food pantries.
In New London County, 38,620 of 267,707 residents (14.4% of the population) are food insecure. Last year, the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center distributed 2,581,474 pounds of food in southeastern Connecticut, 48% of which was made possible through its partnership with Connecticut Foodshare.
Connecticut Foodshare will provide the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center with access to food purchased using state funding, to help meet the growing need for food assistance across southeastern Connecticut. Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center will leverage Connecticut Foodshare’s purchasing power to secure additional products and further expand its reach to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in New London County.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone in our communities has access to the food they need to thrive,” said Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare. “By working together, we are maximizing resources and helping ensure neighbors across New London County have reliable sources of nutritious food.”
“This agreement represents more than a contract—it reflects a shared vision for a southeastern Connecticut where no one has to wonder where their next meal will come from,” said Dina Sears-Graves, President & CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. “By combining the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center’s deep roots and relationships in our local communities with Connecticut Foodshare’s statewide resources, we can expand access to nutritious food, strengthen our network of partners, and better meet the growing needs of our neighbors across New London County.”
“At a time of increased demand, the food distribution programs of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center are meeting a critical community need,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, (D) 2nd District. “The expansion of their reach through this long-term partnership with Connecticut Foodshare will mean more individuals and families in New London County receive the nutritious meals they need. In Congress, I will continue fighting to protect federal support for United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and Connecticut Foodshare’s mission of eliminating food insecurity in our region.”
"Far too many families are feeling the strain of rising costs, and food assistance continues to play a critical role in helping people make ends meet," said State Rep. Anthony Nolan, (D) 39th District. “This partnership will help strengthen local food pantries, reduce food waste, and ensure more nutritious food reaches neighbors throughout New London County. I'm proud to support efforts that invest in the well-being of our communities."
ABOUT CONNECTICUT FOODSHARE:
Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving the people of Connecticut and a partner food bank of Feeding America’s nationwide network. In Connecticut, more than 560,000 or 1 in 7 people are food insecure. That includes more than 137,000 or 1 in 5 children. Connecticut Foodshare distributes food to 450+ agency partners (food pantries, community kitchens, shelters) and more than 100 mobile food pantry locations.
