STAMFORD, CT — Around 25,000 pounds of shelf-stable food were delivered to 507 Shippan Ave. last week, the site of Catholic Charities Stamford: Home of New Covenant Center.
On July 29, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dropped off a truckload of items for the center's food pantry, and volunteers helped stock the shelves in preparation for the pantry's opening on Aug. 11.
An additional delivery was made to the Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport, with a total of 45,000 pounds of food being delivered between the two locations.
The deliveries were part of a national collaboration between the Church's community service platform, JustServe, and America250's America Gives initiative, which helps volunteers, local leaders, and community organizations come together to turn a national commemoration of the country's founding into local service.
As part of the collaboration, the Church is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by donating 250 truckloads of food to communities in all 50 states.
"This donation of 25,000 pounds of shelf-stable food continues our long collaboration and aims to meet the growing needs of many in our communities," Warren Winegar, communications irector, Fairfield Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said.
"When we serve alongside each other, relationships grow and differences fade, and JustServe.org is a platform for all to engage in this kind of unifying service opportunities across their communities. We encourage all to help make 2026 a banner year for service across our nation."
The delivery came as Catholic Charities of Fairfield County is preparing to open a 13,500-square-foot space at 507 Shippan Ave., which will serve as a central hub combining Catholic Charities programs and services under one roof to help more people in need.
The New Covenant Center was previously located at 174 Richmond Hill Road.
"The opening of Catholic Charities Stamford marks an exciting new chapter for our community. This center represents our commitment to ensuring that every person who walks through our doors can find not only immediate assistance, but also the resources, support, and opportunities they need to build a brighter future," said Catholic Charities of Fairfield County Executive Director Mike Donoghue in a statement to Patch.
"We look forward to welcoming our neighbors into a place where hope, dignity, and compassion come together under one roof. And we thank The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their enormous generosity, helping us stock the shelves for the opening of our new food pantry and address food insecurity needs in our community."
A grand opening event for the new facility is expected in October.
The campus will house the New Covenant Center, Senior Nutrition Program, Case Management Services, and Workforce Development and Job Skills Training programs.
In addition to the new food pantry location at The New Covenant Center, the soup kitchen will utilize one of the largest commercial kitchens in Stamford and offer hot meals onsite daily, with breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week. The center will also serve as a warming and cooling center during periods of extreme weather.
The food pantry is expected to be open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday until 2 p.m.
The soup kitchen will be open for breakfast, Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; lunch seven days a week, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and dinner, Monday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The two-acre campus will have a training and conference center for workforce development, educational programming and community partnerships.
There will also be supportive services available for those who need them, such as case management to help individuals and families connect with medical care, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, immigration assistance, housing support and financial services.
Additional programs will include SNAP benefits assistance, a family loan program and a community access program.
Basic needs services will provide approximately 100 showers each month, distribute hygiene and personal care supplies, and operate an Active Toiletry Program.
The facility will also expand workforce development efforts through job readiness training, employment support, career training in food service and hospitality, and community workshops.
In addition, Catholic Charities Stamford's Senior Nutrition Program, which has operated for more than 37 years, will continue serving older adults through Meals on Wheels and senior community café locations.
"The opening of our new center reflects Catholic Charities' commitment to addressing the needs of the whole person, and access to nutritious food is a critical part of that support," said Betsy López, director, New Covenant Center, in a statement to Patch.
"Thanks to the generosity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Food Donation Program, we can welcome more individuals and families with the resources they need today while helping them pursue greater stability and success tomorrow," López added. "This partnership is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when organizations come together to serve the community."
For more information on Catholic Charities of Fairfield County and the Stamford facility, click here.
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