Food Bank Helps Hungry Windsor Families

Imagine peering into your fridge or pantry and realizing there is nothing to eat. This isn't the occasional how-old-are-the-leftovers game; there is literally nothing to eat. For about 450 households in Windsor this is the reality far too often.

But Social Services and the Windsor Community Service Council is trying to help families, singles and seniors in need supplement their food supply through the Food Bank. Four days a week, for 2 hours each day, the Food Bank at the L.P. Wilson Community Center opens its doors to provide sustenance to those in need, providing everything from fresh produce and baked goods to frozen meat and canned goods.

The program has been around for over 25 years. Ted Hughes started volunteering 3 years ago and has since become the Food Bank Coordinator — a part-time job with full time responsibilities. Hughes arranges the weekly pick-up and delivery of the donations, schedules volunteers and works on fund-raising.

Hughes remembers  that when he started there were about 110 households in need and over the last couple of years he has seen that number rise to almost 600 due to pressures of the declining economy.

When the Food Bank is open he works with other volunteers to select and package the food for each recipient. "When you give them a container and they really need it, and they look at you with tears in their eyes, you feel like you've done something for the day." says Hughes.

According to Hughes there are people who are employed, but are still coming up short on nutrition. The households utilizing the Food Bank may be your elderly neighbor, your kid's classmate or a young, single Windsor resident with a minimum-wage job.

"It takes a community effort to keep the shelves stocked," notes Social Services Coordinator Kristen Formanek. Grocery stores like Geissler's and Stop & Shop have collection bins stationed by the registers so shoppers can drop off their donations. Price Chopper donates baked goods to the Food Bank. Frequently, community organizations and businesses will sponsor food drives to help keep the pantry full. 

Social Services Caseworker Deb Sheldon says applying for the Food Bank requires proof of residency in Windsor, an income statement and a utility bill. The recipients can pick up food once a month at the Food Bank and their application is reviewed each year to confirm that they qualify.

Donations can be brought directly to the Food Bank during its hours of operation or by contacting Social Services. Currently there is a special need for tuna and pasta sauce.

With school vacations on the horizon, children will be home for more meals, so staples such as peanut butter and cold cereal will be needed.  To help stretch the food dollars, donations of shampoo, laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, diapers and hygiene products are also appreciated.

If you would like to make a monetary donation or set up a food drive to support the efforts of the Food Bank, contact Deb Sheldon at Social Services directly by calling 860-285-1839 or via email: sheldon@townofwindsorct.com.

Remember, you don't have to donate a case of food to have an impact, that extra jar of peanut butter or a couple cans of tuna fish can really make the difference between hungry and happy.