Together, we have achieved something quite remarkable. After years of searching and planning, we opened the super pantry on February 14 - Valentine's Day. Not just an amazing new space, but a whole new way to think about what a modern food pantry should be. The early reviews are in: guests and volunteers alike love the new place and how it operates.

Young or young at heart, the super pantry provides a warm welcome to everyone facing food or nutrition insecurity.

Before we took it over, the former military museum building at 125 Park Avenue had stood empty for several years. It's a great location, but the building needed A LOT of work. It was a huge project for an all-volunteer organization with limited funding. But with the help of an army of supporters - volunteers, donors, contractors, and City officials - we made it happen. Some gave a little, some gave a lot - whether it was time, talent, money, or all three. We will be forever grateful to everyone who shared our vision and helped make it a reality.

Photos don't do the place justice, but if you haven't seen it in person yet, here are a few to give you an idea.

In one of the most successful "one-off" fundraising events in Daily Bread history, the amazing Judi Zalaznick decided to celebrate her 50th birthday by making 50 beautiful ceramic bowls and give them to friends and family for a requested donation of $50. To sweeten the deal even more, donors got to gather for an evening of laughter and love, filling their bowls with delicious soup from Daily Fare in Bethel. How much did Judi raise? Click the photos to find out!

In the last few weeks, we have been very fortunate to receive some stupendous donations from local schools. Redding Elementary School held a "Soup-er Bowl" food drive (delivered by Natalia and Emilia, at left), while Ridgefield Academy doubled down on their massive Thanksgiving donation with even more food (and came for a visit!). Finally, we had not one, but two "Cereal Domino" food drives. Farmingville Elementary School in Ridgefield AND Rockwell Elementary in Bethel both showed that helping others can be fun too.

A crazy side effect of moving to an appointment system for the super pantry is that our website has been posting some eye-popping numbers. Previously a fairly dusty corner of the interwaves, our guests are discovering how quickly and easily they can make an appointment. Beats waiting in line along Terrace Place, for sure!

And in other news, we have once more been awarded the highest rating from Candid, the leading non-profit rating organization. Well done us!!

Remember that copy of War and Peace you borrowed from Danbury Library in 1975? Well guess what? For the price of some rice and beans, you can wipe your slate clean AND clear your conscience. Let's face it, you were never getting past page 5 anyway.

Our new ID badges are a big hit. But to what movie does the caption refer? There are at least a couple of possibilities, but we are looking for the original. Click the photo for the answer!

Working hard or hardly working? Volunteer Jay Moody takes a break after building some chairs for the super pantry Book Nook.