Norwalk-Based Filling In The Blanks Launches New Mobile Pantry

Information via Filling in the Blanks

NORWALK, CT — Filling in the Blanks, a Norwalk-based nonprofit that fights childhood hunger, has announced the launch of a new mobile pantry.

According to a news release provided by Filling in the Blanks, the organization currently serves thousands of families via school-based pantries and weekend meal bags, along with other assistance programs.

Amid increasing insecurity exacerbated by reduced government aid, the new mobile pantry will deliver fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other food staples, plus access to vital health and wellness services, directly to low-income neighborhoods.

Anticipated services include health screenings, vaccination, and eye exams in partnership with other nonprofits and community organizations. The pantry is planned to operate once a month in Norwalk and Stamford and is anticipated to serve up to 300 individuals at each site.

According to the nonprofit, Filling in the Blanks is able to bring this new program to the community thanks to the generosity of prolific television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes, founder of the Rhimes Foundation.

"I wanted to find a place where my family and I could volunteer," Rhimes said in a news release. "What I found were two forces of nature, Shawnee and Tina, who were determined to change the lives of the children and families they served. They weren’t afraid to take risks and do whatever is needed to bring much needed services to our community. I am honored to support their efforts to reach even more people with the mobile pantry."

Filling in the Blanks' co-founders, Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer, are grateful to count Rhimes among their dedicated and enthusiastic supporters.

"We’ve been blown away by Shonda’s embrace of our efforts to address food insecurity locally," Knight and Kramer said in a news release. "We started this organization out of our homes with a simple idea to help families fill the weekend meal gap. We’ve grown exponentially since then and could not be prouder to begin helping families fill in even more blanks thanks to Shonda’s support."

The generosity of the Rhimes Foundation enabled Filling in the Blanks to launch this effort, however, sustaining and growing its impact will require continued support from its larger community of donors and volunteers, according to the organization.

Community members can learn more about Filling in the Blanks' mobile pantry, other programs, and all the ways to get involved at fillingintheblanks.org.

Filling in the Blanks is deeply committed to its mission to fight local childhood hunger by filling critical gaps in support through its innovative food service programs.