CT Restaurant Hosts Thanksgiving Food Drive to Benefit Neighbors in Need

This Thanksgiving season, The Store Bar & Grill, a family-owned eatery in Torrington, CT, is bringing the Northwestern community together to help fight hunger by hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive benefiting the Friendly Hands Food Bank. The food drive aims to collect nonperishable food items and essential holiday meal ingredients to help local families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity enjoy a warm and nourishing Thanksgiving meal. In addition, the restaurant has partnered with Beacon of Light Animal Rescue (BOLAR), to donate 96 turkeys to the beloved food pantry.

"Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, giving, and coming together as a community. We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate the holiday with a warm meal on their table," said Dena Franks, co-owner of The Store Bar & Grill. "Even the smallest donation can make a meaningful difference in someone's life."

Community members are encouraged to donate and drop off nonperishable food items directly at the restaurant, located at 99 Turner Avenue in Torrington, until November 15^th, including:

·Canned vegetables, corn, green beans, and peas

·Canned fruits and applesauce

·Canned cranberry sauce

·Boxed stuffing and mashed potatoes

·Pasta, rice, and pasta sauce

· Canned soups and beans

·Gravy, crackers, and other shelf-stable food items

According to estimates from Feeding America, more than 560,000 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger. Since 1991, the Friendly Hands Food Bank has been alleviating food insecurity, preventing food waste, and nourishing thousands of families across the region it serves by collecting and distributing food, organizing donations and establishing supportive programs. Every day, the nonprofit brings volunteers together to ensure that neighbors in need have access to nutritious food and vital resources to thrive.

Besides hosting the Thanksgiving Food Drive, Franks notes that The Store Bar & Grill has also donated 48 turkeys to the Friendly Hands Food Bank and has rallied local businesses like Beacon of Light Animal Rescue (BOLAR), a nonprofit animal sanctuary, to do the same.

“We invite and encourage all area residents, local businesses, civic groups, schools, and community organizations to participate and help make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for neighbors in need,” adds Franks. “Together, we can make a difference- one meal, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.”

All donations collected will be delivered to the Friendly Hands Food Bank on November 16, 2026, to support individuals and families in need throughout the local community during the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Store Bar & Grill is located at 99 Turner Avenue in Torrington and open Tuesdays through Sundays. Visit www.thestorebarandgrill.com for hours and more information.

About Friendly Hands Food Bank

Friendly Hands Food Bank has been feeding thousands of individuals and families in the Northwestern Connecticut region for nearly 35 years. It is the largest food pantry in the area, whose mission is to alleviate food insecurity, prevent food waste and nourish the local communities it serves. The organization’s vision is that all people have nutritious food and other resources needed to thrive- nourished bodies, hopeful hearts, and a strong community that lifts one another up. Visit www.friendlyhandsfoodbanknwct.org for more information.