Willimantic Stop & Shop To Raise Money For Eastern Food Pantry Through July Flower Program

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Eastern Connecticut State University and Stop & Shop are partnering on a July fundraiser to support students facing food insecurity.

Through the grocery chain's "Bloomin' 4 Good" program, the Willimantic store will donate $1 to Eastern's on-campus food pantry, Shawn's Cupboard, for every specially marked $11.99 bouquet sold during the month.

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According to the announcement, the donations will be used to keep the pantry stocked with fresh produce and nonperishable food items. Shawn's Cupboard serves Eastern students, and the support is aimed at student health and wellbeing throughout the year.

While the pantry is quieter during the summer, Eastern administrators noted that demand increases during the fall and spring semesters. The university said the fundraiser will help the pantry prepare for those busier periods and maintain supplies for students who need help accessing food.

"Every dollar raised will be used to support Eastern students who are experiencing food insecurity," said Michelle Delaney, Eastern's vice president for student affairs. "We are grateful for Stop & Shop's ongoing support and partnership in meeting the needs of our students."

The Willimantic Stop & Shop has supported Eastern students through past donations and store programs. According to the announcement, the store donated $10,000 to Shawn's Cupboard in spring 2025, which was an increase of $7,500 from the year before. The store also supported Eastern through two fundraisers in fall 2025, the Community Bags program and "Bloomin' 4 Good."

Before that, Eastern was also the recipient of the "Bloomin' 4 Good" program in spring 2025 and fall 2024, according to the announcement. The repeated support has helped the campus pantry continue offering food options to students.

"Without Stop & Shop and our wonderful benefactors, Shawn's Cupboard would not be able to keep the pantry as full or offer as much of a variety of food to our students," said Nancy Brennan of Eastern's Campus Ministry program, which oversees the student food pantry. "It is through their generosity that students are getting enough to eat, which makes them able to meaningfully engage in their classes and in society."