May News from SSKP

Latest News - May 2023

Dear friend,

Half of a million.

That is a big number!

In just four months, SSKP has shared enough food for half a million meals. This has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers, host sites, and our generous community. We continue to witness high need and during April SSKP Pantries served 50% more than the same month in pre-pandemic years. SSKP is able to meet this need because of the collaborative effort of many who are working to ensure access to food and fellowship.

Here’s how the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries shares food in our eleven-town region (from East Lyme to Madison):

FIVE PANTRIES:

Each week guests are welcome to attend one of our five pantries where they receive several bags of groceries for themselves and their family. This includes fresh meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, bread, and non-perishable canned and packaged food. Currently the SSKP Pantries in East Lyme and Old Lyme offer indoor service with a “guest choice” model, the SSKP Pantry in Old Saybrook offers drive up distribution with several “guest choice” stations, and the SSKP Pantries in Westbrook and Clinton offer drive up distribution. The past few years have helped us understand that value in offering a variety of service options.

EIGHT MEAL SITES:

Each week SSKP also offers eight locations throughout our towns where hot meals are prepared with care and shared to all who come. Lunches are served on Wednesdays and Fridays, and dinner sites are open Sunday through Friday each week. Several of our meal sites offer indoor dining with others provide meals- to-go. All are welcome.

BACKPACK PANTRY:

This year we also launched a new pantry which supplements local backpack programs for children. These programs strive to send children home each weekend with easy-to-eat food.

The number can sometimes seem overwhelming, but behind every number is a neighbor. I am grateful for the support that makes it possible to carry out our mission. Thank you for all you do to help!

With gratitude,

Amy

Stamp Out Hunger on May 13th

This year's nation-wide Stamp Out Hunger food drive will be held on Saturday, May 13th. This food drive by postal letter carriers and the community benefits many of SSKP's pantries, and you can help!

If your mail carrier is joining this nation-wide effort, please leave a bag of non-perishable food in your mailbox on Saturday, May 13th. Please be sure to check all expiration dates on the donated food. Every donation helps ensure your neighbors have the food they need - thank you!

SSKP Volunteer Picnic on June 3

We love our volunteers - and this year we are hosting a Volunteer Picnic on Saturday, June 3rd from 1pm - 3pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main Street in Old Saybrook.

Save the Date and plan on sharing a special time of thanks and fellowship with our caring and hard-working volunteers!

Thank You for Voting in Essex Savings CIP

We are so thankful to all who voted for SSKP in this year's Essex Savings Bank Community Investment Program. With your votes, we ranked first in their balloting and were very grateful to receive $9,706.

Thank you so much to Essex Savings Bank and to everyone who supported SSKP!

Firehouse Food Drive Fills the Shelves

Last month's Firehouse Food Drive was an amazing community-wide success, thanks to local fire stations across the shoreline and generous community supporters.

Fire departments from Old Saybrook, Essex, Old Lyme, Westbrook, Deep River, Chester, Clinton, and North Madison collected 7,757 pounds of food and $3,000 in donations!

Special thanks to Max Sabrin of the Old Saybrook Fire Department, Gil Simmons, Chief Meteorologist for NEWS 8 WTNH, Lee Elci from 94.9 FM, and Shore Publishing/Harbor News for spreading the word throughout the shoreline.

We are so grateful for the support our local fire departments and everyone who donated!

Gardens Are Growing

Spring has arrived!

Do you like to garden? Want to help SSKP share food with those in need?

The gardens below all donate fresh produce to SSKP and they need volunteer gardeners.

Support our generous 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

St. Ann's Episcopal Church Garden in Old Lyme

Click here for more information

Please Support the Spring Appeal

Many families continue to struggle with the high cost of food and other basic needs. During April SSKP Pantries served 50% more than the same month in pre-pandemic years.

If you are able, please make a gift to this year’s Spring Appeal. Your generosity helps assure that we can continue to provide food each week to our neighbors in need. Thank you!