Food Insecurity Still A Problem In Local Community

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — One year after it began, the COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark throughout the country and in our own communities. Job loss, health issues and uncertain futures have led to an increase in food insecurity throughout many communities including Essex, Chester and Deep River.

Officials say more than 1 in 10 Connecticut residents — or about 545,000 people — are now considered food insecure, according to a recent article by Josh LaBella for the Middletown Press.

Food insecurity has increased 32 percent since the pandemic began, Jason Jakubowski, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Food Bank and Food Share, told the Middletown Press.

Jakubowski added that the state has never seen such a large influx in a short period.

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To combat this ever-mounting problem, food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the state have been working nonstop to ensure that families get needed help putting food on the table.

The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries assists 11 local communities, including Centerbrook, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Lyme, Essex, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and Westbrook.

A few weeks into the pandemic, SSKP saw more than double the attendance at its meal sites and pantries, Executive Director Amy Hollis told the Middletown Press. The need remains high, Hollis said, and the organization still provides about 30,000 pounds of food every week.

SSKP has food pantries in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme. It has meal sites in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and Westbrook.

“Even after the virus itself has been solved, we’re probably looking at a 12-to-18-month lag on the economic impact,” Jakubowski said to the Middletown Press. “We’re going to be doing this for a while. We know that. But that’s our job. It’s why we are here.”

In Essex, food and other resources are available for those in need, by appointment, at Essex Social Services, at 29 West Ave., Essex. For more information, call Mary Ellen at 860-767-4340, ext. 201.

In addition, the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries holds a weekly curbside meal pickup from noon to 1 p.m. Fridays at Trinity Lutheran Church, 109 Main St., Centerbrook.

Those looking to donate are asked to send all monetary donations to the Essex Community Fund, c/o Essex Town Hall, 29 West Ave., Essex CT 06426.

In Chester, food and other resources are available for those in need at the Chester Food Pantry, located at the Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Ave., Chester. The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Pre-bagged food is available for pickup. For more information, call Rosie at 860-526-0013, ext. 213.

In addition, Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries holds a weekly curbside meal pickup from 5 to 6 p.m. Sundays at the United Church of Chester, 29 W. Main St., Chester.

Those looking to donate are asked to send all monetary donations to the Chester Cares Fund, c/o Chester Town Hall, 203 Middlesex Ave., Chester, CT 06412.

In Deep River, food and other resources are available for those in need at the Deep River Food Pantry, 56 High St., Deep River. The pantry is open 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays. Pre-bagged food is available for pickup. For more information, call Rosie at 860-526-6033.

In addition, the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries holds a weekly curbside meal pickup from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays at Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Deep River.

Those looking to donate are asked to send all monetary donations to the Deep River Community Fund, c/o Deep River Town Hall, 174 Main St., Deep River, CT 06417.