Politics & Government

Westport Releases List of Resources To Help Community During Federal Government Shutdown

"Westport is fortunate to have a strong network of community partners dedicated to supporting those in need."

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Alfred Branch, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Press release from the Town of Westport:

WESTPORT, CT — The Town of Westport’s Human Services Department, in partnership with Homes with Hope and the Westport Housing Authority, is closely monitoring the federal government shutdown and its potential impact on residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently announced that November SNAP benefits will not be issued if the shutdown continues into November. This news may understandably cause concern for households already managing limited resources.

Find out what's happening in Westportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

We want to assure residents that you are not alone. Westport is fortunate to have a strong network of community partners dedicated to supporting those in need. Together, we are preparing to address potential challenges to food security and other essential needs.

What You Need to Know:

Find out what's happening in Westportfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards WILL remain available through November.
  • If the shutdown continues, November benefits will not be issued.
  • Cash benefit – (TFA, SAGA, State Supplemental, Refugee Cash) will continue to be issued and accessible on EBT cards, regardless of whether issued before October 31, 2025.
  • The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will share updates as available at www.ct.gov/dss or follow DSS on Facebook and Twitter.
  • End Hunger CT provides advocacy and support: www.endhungerct.org EHC SNAP Hotline: 866 – 974- SNAP

    Local Food Resources:

  • Homes with Hope Food Pantry– Gillespie Center, 45 Jesup Rd.

    Call 203-226-1661 or visit www.hwhct.org
    Community Kitchen: Lunch 12 p.m., Dinner 5 p.m. (daily)
    Food Pantry: Mon, Tue, Fri 1:30–4 p.m.; Thu 1:30–6 p.m.

  • Westport Women’s Club Food Pantry

    Contact Westport Human Services: 203-341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov

  • Westport Center for Senior Activities

    Daily Lunch Program (Mon–Fri) and Home-Delivered Meals
    Visit www.westportcsa.org or contact Paulina Przybysz at 203-341-5097

  • Westport Public Schools – Free & Reduced Lunch

    Apply confidentially at www.westportps.org/parents/free-reduced-lunchhusky-health
    Filling in the Blanks: www.fillingintheblanks.org/register-for-meals

  • Person-to-Person Mobile Food Pantry and onsite pantry in Darien or Norwalk

    Monthly distribution in Westport; schedule at www.p2pHelps.org

    Call 203-655-0048 or email caseworkservices@p2pHelps.org.

  • Connecticut Foodshare

    Statewide food assistance locator: www.ctfoodshare.org or Text FOODSHARE to 85511 for dates and locations

  • Call 2-1-1

    24/7 access to food, housing, and social service resources across Connecticut

    We are committed to ensuring that no Westport residents go without food or support during this uncertain time. Our agencies are working together to coordinate resources, expand access, and respond quickly to emerging needs.

    For assistance or questions, contact the Westport Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.

    How You Can Help:

  • Homes with Hope Food Pantry

    Donate online at www.hwhct.org
    Accepting non-perishable food and monetary donations

  • Westport Woman’s Club Food Closet

    Drop off non-perishable donations to the Clubhouse- 44 Imperial Ave., Westport

    Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

  • Town of Westport Human Services Food Fund

    Donate online at www.westportct.gov/donate to the “Area of Most Need”

    Mail checks (payable to “Town of Westport – DHS Food Fund”)
    Westport Human Services, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880

  • Westport Housing Authority

    • Accepting monetary donations to support residents in need
    Visit www.WestportHA.org or contact ASayegh@westportha.org or 203-227-4672

    Together, we will continue to care for one another and uphold the values of dignity, compassion, and community that define Westport.

    Signed,

    Elaine Daignault, Director, Westport Human Services
    Helen McAlinden, President & CEO, Homes with Hope
    Carol Martin, Executive Director, Westport Housing Authority

    For DSS Updates: www.ct.gov/dss or follow DSS on Facebook and Twitter
    End Hunger CT, Advocacy and Support: www.endhungerct.org
    EHC SNAP Hotline: 866 – 974- SNAP

    This press release was produced by the Town of Westport. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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