Charter Oak Offers $35K In Emergency Grants To Food Pantries

WATERFORD, CT — Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is providing $35,000 in emergency grants to 14 food pantries and meal programs in New London and Windham counties to help them meet growing food insecurity issues caused by the continuing COVID-19 health crisis.

“We realize this health crisis is creating mounting pressures on food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, so this emergency funding will help restock their shelves to provide food assistance to those in need,” Brian A. Orenstein, Charter Oak’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. “Typically, we send grant funds to these organizations at year’s end as a special holiday gift and thank you for all they do throughout the year. But we recognize the need is great already and right now is the best time to offer our financial assistance for the tireless work these organizations are doing to feed individuals and families all across eastern Connecticut."

Charter Oak is also increasing assistance during this COVID-19 crisis to its members. The credit union is part of Governor Ned Lamont’s mortgage relief program for those in need of assistance.

“We’re here to work with our members affected by the Coronavirus, and the best way to handle things is for them to call us,” he said. “Whether it’s deferring a mortgage payment, using a skip-a-pay, or working with a business loan issue, we are definitely here for our members affected by this health crisis."

Charter Oak’s full-service Contact Center is available for member assistance by calling 860-446-8085 during regular business hours.

The 14 agencies and organizations each receiving a $2,500 emergency food grant from Charter Oak are: Always Home in Mystic; Care & Share of East Lyme; Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic; Groton Social Services Food Lockers; Friends of Assisi Food Pantry in Danielson; Interfaith Human Services of Putnam-Daily Bread; Montville Food Bank; New London Area Food Pantry; New London Community Meal Center; New London Homeless Hospitality Center; Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center; Rosalyn Allen Food Pantry in Norwich; Saint Mary’s Church Food Pantry in Jewett City; and Saint Vincent De Paul Place in Norwich.