Nearly 500 Pounds Of Soup Collected For New London Food Center

NEW LONDON, CT – Three local community organizations partnered to collect nearly 500 pounds of soup for the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center. Members of the New London Kiwanis, New London Lions Club and Rotary Club of New London collected soup and other non-perishables during Super Bowl season.

The “Souper Bowl” collection yielded 493 pounds, approximately 468 cans, that were delivered to the food center this week, according to a release.

More than 12 percent of the population in New London County is food insecure, meaning they don’t know when or where they will access their next meal, and more than 17 percent of children are food insecure. Every 1.2 pounds of food is the equivalent of one meal for someone facing hunger.

Established in 1988, the Food Center has help feed families and individuals facing hunger and food insecurity throughout New London. Last year, the Food Center distributed the equivalent of 1.9 million meals and snacks to more than 80 food pantries, shelters, child care centers, community meal sites and programs for the elderly at no cost to those in need.

After such a successful first-ever tri-club project, representatives of the three clubs agreed they would conduct another “Souper Bowl” collection next year and potentially pursue other collaborative projects, as appropriate.

Photo credit: Deb MacDonnell