New London Food Pantry Feeds Hundreds For the Holidays—Thanks To Volunteers and Donations

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, New London Area Food Pantry hit a new record, serving 253 clients in one day. 

"I overheard many wishes of gratitude from appreciative clients and I would like to add my own heartfelt thanks," wrote volunteer Jonathan Schweitzer in an email thanking his fellow volunteers who helped coordinate the distribution.  

Another round of thanks go to TriviAcademy of Waterford, which held a food drive for the pantry on November 19. With the help of their hosts and regular players, they raised over $220—which was converted into 10 bags of groceries—and 4 large (and heavy!) boxes of non-perishable food items as part of their Thanksgiving Food Drive.

TriviAcademy owners Kevin and Jennifer Larrow say that the success of this drive was due to the overwhelming response of hundreds of people, all chipping in to make a big difference. “All we had to do was ask,” said Jennifer, “and everyone’s generosity did the rest!”

Donors included the patrons of the Old Lyme Inn, The Black Sheep in Niantic, The Harp & Hound in Mystic, Margaritas in Mystic, and The Brazen Hen in Westerly, RI.

The New London Area Food Pantry accepts donations on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (although it will be closed for Thanksgiving) or by appointment for large donations.

To make a donation make checks out to: New London Area Food Pantry and mail to: New London Area Food Pantry, 106 Truman St., New London, CT 06320. Volunteers are also needed.

If you'd like to get involved or learn more about the New London Area Food Coalition and Pantry, the organization will be holding its 25th annual meeting at the O.I.C. Building, Conference Room, 106 Truman Street, New London at noon on December 4. New London Mayor Daryl Finizio will be the featured speaker.