June News from SSKP

Latest News - June 2026

Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to announce a soon-to-open 6th SSKP Pantry!

Residents from our eleven towns are able to access groceries weekly because of the network of SSKP Pantries across our region. Our sixth pantry will be in Madison with a tentative opening set for late July. With 30% of our region struggling to make ends meet (Poverty Level + ALICE) the need is real!

I am grateful for all the hearts and hands that join together to open pathways for food access including community meals and pantries.

I am grateful for our friends at First Congregational Church of Madison for sharing space for this new pantry.

And, I am grateful for people stepping up to help.

Ways to help:

check in with neighbors
attend a volunteer session (info below)
donate non-perishables

With gratitude,

Amy

Volunteer at the SSKP Pantry in Madison

Would you like to Volunteer at the new SSKP Pantry in Madison?

Come to a Volunteer Info Session to find out more:

Friday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, June 27 at 9:30 a.m.

Both meetings will be held at the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Lane, Madison in the Activity Center.

Please RSVP to Paola at pserrecchia@shorelinesoupkitchens.org.

Gardens are Growing Fresh Food for SSKP

SSKP is fortunate to have the support of many wonderful non-profit gardens who grow and donate many thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for our food pantries! Generous local farm stands and home gardeners also donate fresh produce to SSKP every summer. Find out more about our garden partners:

Common Good Gardens in Old Saybrook

Food For All Garden in Clinton

St. Mary's Church Parish Garden in Clinton

Partner to Grow at the Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook

LOL Food Share Garden in Old Lyme

Click here for more information about these gardens.

Farm Stands who generously donate to SSKP include:

Scotts Farm Store

Smith's Acres Garden Center

Viggiano's Fruits & Vegetables

White Gate Farm

We are so thankful for this fresh food!

SSKP Volunteer Gratitude Day

On Saturday, June 6th we celebrated our annual Volunteer Gratitude Day at Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale Restaurant in Madison. Over 140 dedicated SSKP Volunteers and Staff enjoyed a beautiful sunny afternoon of fellowship and delicious food generously donated for our celebration.

We are so grateful for all our Volunteers, and especially to Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale for hosting our gratitude gathering!

Liberty Bank Foundation Supports SSKP

The Liberty Bank Foundation has generously awarded a $5,000 grant to SSKP to purchase food for our pantries. Recently Tanner Alsop, Branch Manager of Liberty Bank in Old Saybrook, presented the grant funds to The Rev. Charlie Hamill, Chair of SSKP's Board of Directors. Thank you very much, Liberty Bank Foundation!

Ride Lenny & Joe's Charity Carousel on July 4th Weekend

Celebrate July 4th Weekend and help SSKP!

On Saturday, July 4th and Sunday, July 5th visit Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale in Madison and ride the Carousel for SSKP. Lenny & Joe's will donate all the proceeds from their Magical Charity Carousel to SSKP from both days. Celebrate the 4th with a carousel ride, while helping your neighbors!

Essex Lions "Night of Giving"

The Essex Lions Club recently invited SSKP to their annual "Night of Giving" at the Ivoryton Playhouse. It was a special gathering to thank, celebrate, and support many local organizations who make a difference in our community.

Board member Reverend Dave Stambaugh spoke at the event about our mission to provide food and fellowship, and received a generous $2,000 grant for SSKP. This funding will help purchase food to share with people in need through our pantries. We are so thankful for the generosity and support of the Essex Lions!

Please Support the Spring Appeal

Our Spring Appeal is very close to our goal!

If you have already made a donation, thank you. Your gifts will help sustain us at a time of year when need remains high, but income is often low.

If you haven't supported the Spring Appeal yet, please make a gift today. Your donation helps our neighbors have the food they need now and throughout the year. Thank you!