November News from SSKP

Latest News - November 2025

Dear Friends

Many are asking – “How can I help” and many are jumping in to help. Again and again, I hear myself say “I know the nicest people” and “kind people are everywhere.”

We remain committed to opening access to food for neighbors in need. Key to our efforts:

1. Ensure neighbors know where and how to access food.

2. Continue to source, organize, prepare, and share food.

3. Continue to express gratitude for community efforts, time, talents, and shared space that makes all this possible.

4. Seek donations of funds and non-perishable items to help fill gaps.

We want our community to know that they have access to the food their family needs. SSKP is committed to sharing food and fellowship through 5 weekly pantries, 9 daily community meals, and our school Backpack Support Program. In 2024 more than 1.7 million pounds of food was shared through our programs. This included easy-to-eat food for children, freshly prepared hot meals, and groceries like fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread, meat, pasta, and non-perishable canned and boxed food.

We are grateful for the support for neighbors in need! Every act of kindness makes a difference.

With gratitude,

Amy

The Matching Challenge for SSKP is Back!

We are thrilled to share that the 2025 Matching Challenge for SSKP is back – presented this year by Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale, the beloved shoreline restaurant, and Carter Gowrie, the original founder of the Challenge. They have joined forces to raise $250,000 for SSKP and we are so grateful for their commitment, energy, and community leadership!

The Matching Challenge, which runs from November 1 through December 31, is also supported by Partner Sponsors who have once again donated generous matching funds: Sound Rigging, BrandTech Scientific, Essex Financial, L.C. Doane Company, Risk Strategies, and Tower Labs. With these matching funds, your gift will be doubled dollar-for-dollar to help our neighbors.

“We’re honored to stand beside Carter Gowrie and so many other generous community leaders in this important effort,” said Jim Schreck, owner of the Madison Fish Tale and former SSKP Board Member. “Helping our neighbors is part of who we are, and we’re proud to support the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and their mission to fight hunger with dignity and compassion.”

Click here to donate, and choose "Matching Challenge for SSKP". On a mobile device, also click "View Desktop Version". Thank you!!

Thankful for Food Drives & Donations

Many local organizations and businesses have recently organized food drives or donated food to SSKP. Every item of donated food makes a difference! Here are some of the ways people are helping.

Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek's High Holiday Food Drive raised over 1,500 lbs. of food for SSKP.
The Westbrook Elks Lodge #1784 PER Food Drive held their annual "Fill the Truck" food drive for SSKP.
The Madison Lutheran Church recently collected 2,000 lbs. of food and funds.
Several Old Saybrook neighborhoods collected 815 lbs. of food before Halloween with their "Trail of Terror Food Drive".
Clinton Police Youth group along with Families Helping Families held a food drive at Big Y and collected 1,342 lbs. of food and funds.
Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s Real Estate Council raised over 600 lbs. of food and funds.
Clinton Rotary Club held a food drive at Stop & Shop and collected 892 lbs. of food and funds.
Many individuals and families have recently generously donated bags of food for their neighbors!

We are so thankful to our generous community!

Pantry Needs

Westbrook Foundation Supports SSKP

Recently SSKP received a very generous grant of $25,000 from the Westbrook Foundation, in support of our food pantries. With so many of our shoreline neighbors, including those in Westbrook, continuing to need food, we are so grateful for this support.

This grant funding will purchase food such as eggs and fresh produce for our pantries to distribute to those in need. We are so thankful for the continued support of the Westbrook Foundation!

SSKP Thanksgiving Meal

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries' annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be served inside at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 27th, at Grace Episcopal Church, 336 Main St. in Old Saybrook.

Come join us as we gather to count our blessings together. All are welcome to attend; there is no charge and no reservation is required.

Please Support SSKP's Annual Appeal

We are grateful to all those who have already made a gift to our Annual Appeal. Your donations will help us give food to local families in need throughout the year. If you haven't made your gift yet, please take a moment to click the button below.