A Helping Hand

For FAITH Food Pantry

FAITH Food Pantry recently received a sizeable financial donation from Stop & Shop in Sand Hill Plaza.

“This donation is an example of the wonderful support the business community of Newtown gives to the FAITH Food Pantry,” said Nancy Taylor, a co-chair of the food pantry that operates out of St John’s Episcopal Church in Sandy Hook. “The Big Y and Caraluzzi’s also help the pantry with discounts and donations. Tony at Andrea’s Bakery has been a constant supporter with donations of bakery goods that bring smiles to our clients faces.

“Add this to the heartwarming generosity of the civic organizations, the churches, and Newtown’s private citizens, we have been able to meet the ever-growing needs of our neighbors,” Mrs Taylor continued.

Established in 1983, FAITH (Food Assistance Immediate Temporary Help) is a nonecumenical volunteer effort that distributes food on an emergency basis to any Newtown resident, without questions or judgment, from a food pantry set up at the Episcopal church at 5 Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook Center.

“Our dedicated volunteers continue to work hard to shop, sort, and distribute food to the increasing number of clients who come to the pantry,” said Mrs Taylor. Clients can visit the pantry once each month to receive a week’s worth of nonperishable food, frozen meats, toiletries, laundry supplies, and paper products. New clients need to bring two forms of ID (one being a photo ID and the second a bill or statement to prove residency in town).

Donors and potential recipients may visit the pantry on Tuesdays between 10 am and noon and Thursdays between 6 and 7:30 pm. FAITH also delivers food to persons unable to leave their homes.

“FAITH Food Pantry was established 27 years ago to be a hand-up to the residents of Newtown and to help bridge the gap that many people find in their budgets having to choose between buying food or paying utility or medical bills,” Mrs Taylor said. “We could not continue our mission without the tremendous support of our community and for that we are so grateful to you all. Newtown is indeed a special place.”

Contact Nancy Taylor, 203-426-8507, or Lee Paulsen, 203-426-5604, for any additional information about the food pantry, whether arranging to make a food or financial donation or to take advantage of its offerings.