Coronavirus: The East Haven Food Pantry Is A Lifeline For Many

EAST HAVEN, CT — Can you spare a few cans of tuna or chicken, or boxes of pasta? Maybe some canned soup? Peanut butter and jelly would be welcomed.

The East Haven Food Pantry is a big help for many in good times.

Now, as the town and its resident's face the unprecedented public health crisis that is the COVID-19 pandemic, it's a literal lifeline.

Pantry president Dianne Romans and the pantry volunteers greet people who drive up with smiles, and bags of groceries. They put them in people's cars so there's no contact necessary. In a different time, maybe a volunteer and a person in need might shake hands, or hug. Not now. But the love and gratitude is likely shared as seen through grateful, and giving, eyes.

Roman said the no-contact process is being done "to keep both the people who utilize the pantry and our volunteers safe."

The East Haven Food Pantry is for right now open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Saturday from 10-12. The pantry will be closed Saturday, April 11 and beginning the week of April 12, will be open on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 and Saturdays from 10 to 12 noon. Roman said the decision to close on Thursdays was just made today and is an "effort to keep our volunteers safe."

She said that previously, people could visit the pantry twice a month, but if someone finds they are in need of additional food they can visit a third time.

A mobile food pantry truck will be at East Haven High School, 35 Wheelbarrow Road, at 2 p.m. on April 7.

The Raging Knights Fire Fighter Motorcycle Club Shoreline Chapter helped out the food pantry, and so can you. Donations are accepted during its hours of operation.

Or, for those who are able, monetary donations are greatly appreciated. Checks should be sent, and made payable to, the East Haven Food Pantry at 39 Park Place, East Haven, CT 06512.