Branford Rotary Club Adds 2nd Purple Pantry Box, Filled With Shelf-Stable Foods For Those In Need

BRANFORD, CT — The Branford Rotary Club installed a second Purple Pantry Box in town, providing shelf-stable foods to anyone in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Placed outside the Branford Community House, 46 Church St., the club also built and installed a collection box for food donations in the lower lobby of the Community House.

The first box, installed last year, is located at the Soundview Family YMCA, 758 E. Main St., which also serves as a collection location for those wishing to donate.

The project was part of Rotary’s ‘Epic Day of Service’—a one-day event where thousands of Rotary clubs around the world stepped up to help their communities.

In Branford, Rotarians and community volunteers installed a stone path and the pantry box, as well as a purple donation box built by Rotarian John McColl, with materials generously provided by Branford Building Supplies and Burban’s Landscaping.

"Hunger in our community is a need we all should address, and I’m very proud of Rotary members and thankful for partners like Branford Building and Burban’s for stepping up," Branford Rotary President Tery Elton said.

"Because they’re available day and night, the Purple Pantry Boxes are a wonderful complement to the existing resources we have in town, like the Branford Food Pantry and Community Dining Room, making food available during hours when those facilities aren’t open," Elton noted.

"We’re excited to see this come to life and are proud to partner with Branford Rotary by hosting a Purple Pantry Box," said Dale Izzo, Director of Parks, Recreation & Senior Services. "Our missions align in bringing the community together through acts of kindness, compassion, and support — helping ensure that no family faces food insecurity alone."

Thousands of Rotarians from Rotary clubs in more than 10 countries took part in this year’s Epic Day of Service.

Launched four years ago, the Epic program "unites Rotary clubs and community members in collective action to make a tangible difference around the globe," said Robert Friend, Rotary’s Past District Governor for Southern Connecticut. "Rotary clubs are active year-round, but this one, Epic Day, shows the very best of humanity in action.”

So, what's a Purple Pantry Box?

The boxes are continually replenished food pantries that encourage people to "take what you need and donate what you can."

Here's what you need to know:

• There are no barriers to get food. You simply walk up to the box and open the door.
• For those who wish to donate food, please take food to the lower lobby of the Community House or the front desk of the Soundview YMCA.

• Only factory-sealed food can be used; no food donated that has been opened or is in a zip-lock bag or reusable container can be distributed in a Purple Pantry Box.
• If the food needs to live in a refrigerator or freezer, it cannot be used in a Purple Pantry Box.
• For guidelines, locations, and a sample list of food that can be donated, click here.