Wilton Food Pantry, a Hidden Gem, Shines at Thanksgiving

WILTON, CT — This is the week that local food charities anticipate — and perhaps dread — all year long. Nobody who is feeding the hungry wants to come up on the Thanksgiving break weekend and be shy a turkey or two.

Happily, no one can remember that ever happening in Wilton.

"Because of the generous donors here in Wilton, we have donations coming in all the time, especially this week for the holiday, Thanksgiving, coming up, and then the other holidays coming up in December," said Sarah Heath, the director of social services for the Town who also runs the community food pantry.

Food pantry clients who are homebound may have their hot Thanksgiving feast delivered by the Wilton Women's Club. That's just one of the organizations with whom Heath's team works year-round to keep its shelves stocked. Heath singled out the efforts of another group in particular.

"Because of the incredibly successful Wilton Rocks fundraiser that happens once a year in December, we are able to keep our shelves stocked." This year that concert is scheduled for Dec. 7 at the Trackside Teen Center. Pre-show donations are currently hovering at about half of the group's stated goal of a $150,000. You can kick in something online at the Wilton Rocks for Food website here.

Heath, who oversees the town's Senior Center and youth services as well, sees the pantry as among the most important programs Wilton offers to residents going through a hard time. She encourages Wiltonians down on their luck to just pick up the phone.

Anyone who is seeking to take advantage of all the food pantry has to offer must first be screened for financial eligibility by one of the town social workers (Contact them at 203-222-2663). Once a household's credentials of need have been established, they can visit the town pantry downstairs at the Comstock Community Center, located at 180 School Road, once a week and fill up a couple of grocery bags with food. Heath says the experience is very private and discreet.

Maybe things are too discreet. Heath has got a great operation, but says she needs to get the word out. "I just spoke to three new people this morning so that they understood how we can help. This is a really tough time for a lot of individuals and families. We want people to feel comfortable reaching out so they can access any help they may need.

"I would love for people to know that we are here," she said.