Food Bank Mobile Pantry At John Martinez School Friday

NEW HAVEN, CT — Connecticut Food Bank will offer a Mobile Distribution in New Haven at John Martinez School, 100 James St., Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The distribution is in partnership with the City of New Haven.

Connecticut Food Bank will offer fresh and nonperishable foods to households in need. Food will be distributed through a contactless system to prevent spread of COVID-19 and protect both visitors and volunteers. The distribution will be accessible to walk up and drive-through visitors.

Food distributed at Connecticut Food Bank Mobile Distribution sites is supplemental to the food that Connecticut Food Bank distributes through its network of member agencies. Combined, there are 500 food access points supplied by Connecticut Food Bank across its six-county service area.

The addition of this distribution in New Haven reflects continued high levels of need related to the economic effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. Many area households continue to struggle with unemployment and underemployment from layoffs and reductions in hours.

“Recent studies have indicated food insecurity continues to climb in Connecticut. We are working to ensure that as many food access points can be made available to this growing number said Connecticut Food Bank COO Daniel Gomez.”

Product donations to Connecticut Food Bank from the food industry have plunged by as much as 60% since the onset of the pandemic and have not rebounded, Mr. Gomez said. “Due to the generosity of our financial donors, Connecticut Food Bank began buying food to fill the gap.”

Mr. Gomez said Connecticut Food Bank has distributed more food in the most recent past than at any time in in its history. “The supply chain continues to be challenging. Product is still difficult to source, with lead times and costs continuing to rise. We are grateful to financial donors and volunteers that came forward to help,” Mr. Gomez said.

As that purchased food continues to flow into the food bank’s warehouse, Mr. Gomez said distribution to Connecticut Food Bank member agencies is increasing. Connecticut Food Bank also will continue to distribute food through its Mobile Pantry program, aimed at filling gaps in its network where transportation barriers or other factors prevent people from accessing enough food. Connecticut Food Bank offers an average of 25 to 30 Mobile Pantries each month in its six-county service area.