Help for Our Neighbors in Need

October 30, 2025

Dear Fairfielders,

As you may be aware, federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be discontinued as of November 1. You may not be aware that hundreds of Fairfielders rely on SNAP and are currently facing uncertainty about how to put food on the table.  In times of need, Fairfield has always responded as a caring community of friends. We are asking all who are able to please consider helping, either with donations of non-perishable food items, or grocery store gift cards.

The lobby of Old Town Hall, and both entrances of Sullivan Independence Hall have tables set up for your food donations Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Operation Hope will be coming to both locations to pick up your donations. You can also donate grocery store gift cards to the Town of Fairfield Human and Social Services Department, where they will be distributed to families in need. Gift cards can be dropped off at Fairfield Social Services, 100 Mona Terrace. See more information about Social Services below.

In this email, you'll find a list resources, including local food pantries, meal programs, and community organizations ready to help anyone experiencing food insecurity. If you or someone in your neighborhood is struggling, please reach out. Help is available.

Let's make sure no one in Fairfield goes to bed hungry. Thank you for your kindness and your generosity.

Christine Vitale

First Selectman

The Town of Fairfield’s Human and Social Services Department, Operation Hope, and the Fairfield Housing Authority know that many families may be feeling uncertain about how the federal government shutdown could affect SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. We want you to know that you are not alone. Our community is here to stand with you — offering support, care, and access to food and resources (as available) for anyone who needs it. Together, we can help ensure that every family in Fairfield feels supported and cared for during this challenging time.

What You Need to Know

1. SNAP benefits already loaded on your EBT card will remain available through November.
2. If the shutdown continues, November benefits may not be issued.
3. Cash benefits (TFA, SAGA, State Supplemental, Refugee Cash) will continue to be accessible on EBT cards.
4. Stay updated: Visit www.ct.gov/dss or follow DSS on Facebook and Twitter.
5. Advocacy and support: End Hunger CT | EHC SNAP Hotline: 866-974-SNAP

If Your SNAP Benefits Are Stopped

If your SNAP benefits are paused or stopped, you do not have to navigate this alone. Here’s what to do:

1. Call Fairfield Social Services at 203-256-3170 — they can help you access emergency support and connect you to available resources.
2. Reach out to Operation Hope for information on how to access its food pantry and community kitchen services.

Operation Hope

636 Old Post Road

Fairfield, CT 06824

203-292-5588

Pantry Hours: Mon, Weds, Fri from 10 am to 12 noon

Thurs from 4-6 pm

Fairfield residents can go twice a month

Community Kitchen at 50 Nichols St. Mon-Fri serves lunch & dinner

Updates and Support:

1. DSS: www.ct.gov/dss
2. End Hunger CT: www.endhungerct.org
3. EHC SNAP Hotline: 866-974-SNAP

How to Help Your Neighbors in Need

Managing uncertainty can be especially difficult when it comes to putting food on the table.

Fairfield Social Services is collecting Stop & Shop and ShopRite grocery gift cards, as well as monetary donations by check (which will be used to purchase additional grocery cards), payable to “Fairfield Social Services,” to support neighbors who may be struggling. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to Fairfield Social Services, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Go to the Operation Hope website (Donate - Operation Hope of Fairfield) to make a donation of food and essentials for the pantry, or to make a financial contribution.

Additional Food Resources:

Fairfield Public Schools Free & Reduced Lunch Program: You can find FAQs and an application to apply here.

Filling in the Blanks Meal Program: www.fillingintheblanks.org/register-for-meals

Connecticut Foodshare: www.ctfoodshare.org

Medicare Healthy Food Card: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a grocery allowance or food card benefit to help with food costs. Check your plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to see if you qualify.

Need help immediately? Visit www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1 for 24/7 assistance with food, housing, and social services statewide.

Food Pantries:

Nourish

2200 North Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Wednesdays 2-6 pm

*Baby Items require a Birth Certificate

203-335-3107

Black Rock Food Pantry

2676 Fairfield Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06605

Saturdays 9 am -11 am

Once a month for 3-day supply of food

203-610-1222

Thomas Merton Center Eat Smart Market Place Food Pantry

1406 State Street

Bridgeport, CT 06605

Tues Weds Thurs 10 am -1 pm

Soup Kitchen Breakfast Mon-Fri 9-10 am Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 am to 1 pm

203-367-9036

Brooklawn SDA Church Food Pantry

250 Brooklawn Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Every Tues 4:30-5:30 PM

Bring your own bag

203-333-2876

Calvary SDA

827 Trumbull Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06605

Weekly on Thurs 3:30-6:00pm Sun 12 noon-1pm

203-374-4533