October News from SSKP

Latest News - October 2023

Dear Friends,

8% of our neighbors are registered guests at SSKP Pantries. That is more than 8,000 people, each with their own circumstances and needs.

As we continue witnessing increases in need and rising food costs, we trust that together we can ensure all our neighbors have access to food. According to the ALICE Report from United Way, 26% of our neighbors fall within or below the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population. My heart pauses as I seek to understand the true scope of the need for nutritious food in our community.

Each year as fall begins, we send a mailing to all households in our region. This mailing has two main purposes. First, you will find a colorful brochure that includes times and locations where food can be accessed. With 8% of our neighbors registered guests at SSKP Pantries and 26% falling within ALICE we want to ensure that all know where they can find support. Second, you will find our Annual Appeal letter. This is our primary “ask” each year. The support from you and our wider community help make our mission possible! These vital funds help us to purchase food like eggs, peanut butter, tuna fish, pasta, potatoes, bananas, and additional fresh produce. So far this year we have shared over 1.3 million pounds of food directly with our neighbors. The power of our community continues to inspire me!

Last Friday was one of those days when a “glitch” caught me off guard. Although we dotted all the “i’s” and crossed all the “t’s” while working with our printer, unexpected errors did surface. We are still working with the printer to discern the scope of the issues which resulted in large piles of undeliverable letters. If you did not receive the letter or brochure, please know it is accessible online. If you (like me) found your name missing from the envelope, I sincerely apologize.

We are grateful for your support as we strive to ensure all our neighbors have access to nutritious food. Thank you for your support!

With gratitude,

Amy

CBSRZ High Holidays Food Drive

Once again this year our friends at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek in Chester held a High Holidays Food Drive for SSKP. Despite being drenched by a downpour of rain, CBSRZ volunteers loaded 1,550 pounds of non-perishable food that had been collected and delivered it to our Old Saybrook Pantry. We are so grateful for all their generosity and hard work. Thank you, CBSRZ!

Clergy Appreciation Month

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. We are grateful for the leadership of clergy throughout our region who continue to go above and beyond to support neighbors in need. Thank you for sharing your faith, caring for neighbors, and inspiring us all!

Many of our area clergy participate in SSKP by serving on the board, volunteering at pantries & meals sites, donating food/resources, hosting food drives, opening space for food to be shared, and helping ensure all our neighbors have access to food.

You are a blessing!

Thank you to all members of the Clergy!

Thank you for being you!

Food & Fellowship Every Day

SSKP is sharing food and fellowship every day across our community.

Below is a current listing of our programs:

SSKP Food Pantries

Each week registered guests can visit one of our five Food Pantries and receive fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, bread, eggs, canned goods, and packaged food.

Westbrook Pantry

Tuesday 11:30 A.M. - 2:15 P.M.

St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church

22 McVeagh Road, Westbrook

Old Saybrook Pantry

Tuesday 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

First Church of Christ in Saybrook

366 Main Street, Old Saybrook

Clinton Pantry

Wednesday 3:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

First Church of Christ Congregational, Clinton

55 Church Road, Clinton

East Lyme Pantry

Thursday 2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

St. John’s Episcopal Church

400 Main Street, Niantic

Old Lyme Pantry

Saturday 8:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

First Congregational Church of Old Lyme

2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme

SSKP Meal Sites

All are welcome at our eight Meal Sites for freshly cooked dinners and lunches.

Chester Meal

Sunday 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

United Church of Chester

29 West Main Street, Chester

Essex Meal

Monday 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

First Baptist Church in Essex

10 Prospect Street, Essex

Essex Meal

Tuesday 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

St. John's Episcopal Church

23 Main Street, Essex

Old Saybrook Meal

Wednesday Noon - 1:00 P.M.

Grace Episcopal Church

336 Main Street, Old Saybrook

Clinton Meal

Wednesday 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

United Methodist Church

12 Commerce Street, Clinton

Deep River Meal

Thursday 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Deep River Congregational Church

1 Church Street, Deep River

Centerbrook Meal

Friday Noon - 1:00 P.M.

Trinity Lutheran Church

109 Main Street, Centerbrook

Westbrook Meal

Friday 6:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M.

Westbrook Congregational Church

1166 Boston Post Road, Westbrook

SSKP Backpack Support Program

Our Backpack Support Program helps children access food over the weekends.

Thank you to the countless volunteers, dedicated staff, host sites, and generous donors who make our mission possible!

Wish List - Thanksgiving and More

SSKP's Pantries are in need of the following items. Can you help?

Thanksgiving Needs

Gravy

Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Pie Crust Mix

Canned Pumpkin

Quick Breads & Cake Mix

Canned Corn

Other Needs

Spaghetti Sauce

Low Sugar Cereal

new handheld can openers

Click here for donation drop-off times and locations.

SSKP Thanksgiving Meal

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries' annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be served inside at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 23rd, 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.

Click here for flyer.

Please Support SSKP's Annual Appeal

Every year in October we send a letter of outreach to households in our 11-town service area through our Annual Appeal. If you haven't gotten your letter yet, read our Annual Appeal letter and our updated SSKP Brochure with information about our mission and the current times and locations of our food pantries and meal sites. By sharing our brochure in your community, you can help those in need know where they can receive groceries and hot meals.

If you've already made a gift to the Annual Appeal - thank you so much! Your donations will help us give food to local families in need. If you haven't made your gift yet, please take a moment to click the button below. We are grateful!