First Congregational Church of Granby celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Grab ‘n Go Food Program on November 13, 2021. This program started out as an idea of its Vitality Team to help those in the community struggling with food insecurity during the pandemic.
Initially, the Grab ‘n Go Food Program began by handing out Weekend Grab ‘n Go Snack Packs, which consist of shelf-stable single-serve items that are purchased at stores like Costco and BJs. The bags contain enough food for two breakfasts and two lunches, along with snacks like granola bars, fruit cups and applesauce.
In fall 2020 the church applied to partner with FoodShare but due to the pandemic and the merger of FoodShare with the CT Food Bank, it took several months for the application to be considered. At the end of September 2021, First Church became official partners with CT FoodShare and is now listed on 211ct.org as “Open Cupboard at First Congregational Church of Granby.” The 211ct.org website serves as a resource for those seeking assistance with food, housing, mental health, etc., or those looking for volunteer opportunities.
Some may think that food insecurity is only a concern for those living in cities like Hartford or New Haven, but that is not so. According to the CT FoodShare website (foodshare.org), 1 in 9 of our neighbors in Hartford and Tolland Counties worry about having enough food and this affects people of all ages and backgrounds. “An estimated 41 percent of the food insecure people in Hartford and Tolland counties live in households with incomes too high to qualify for most federal nutrition assistance programs.” A trip to any grocery store produces sticker shock due to the increased prices. Some folks are having trouble putting food on the table after paying for rent, heat and utilities. By partnering with CT FoodShare, Open Cupboard at First Church helps those trying to put food on the table. For example, during their food distribution on Nov. 19, they gave away over 500 pounds of food – this included items from turkeys to toilet paper.
Volunteers keep this program on track since there is much work involved —from ordering, tracking inventory, picking up at CT FoodShare, to stocking shelves, packing food bags and distributing food on Fridays. A huge thank you to all those who volunteer their time to help and to those who support this ministry! The Church also appreciates and thanks Lox Stock and Bagels in Granby for donating their leftover bagels on Thursdays that are given out on Fridays with the food distributions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, please stop by the First Church parking lot at 219 North Granby Road on Fridays between 3 and 4 p.m. for food distribution. Kerri Crough from Open Cupboard says, “as long as the roads are clear, we are here.”
If you would like to donate to this ministry or volunteer to help, please see the First Church website (firstchurchgranby.org) or call the church office at 860-653-4537.