NEW BRITAIN, CT -- New Britain residents who depend upon the Human Resources Agency (HRA) Food & Resource Center (NBFRC) on Osgood Avenue are giving thanks for food early this year. HRA is giving thanks to all of the funders and donors who have helped keep the pantry doors open. Without CDBG funding from the city, the pantry was in serious jeopardy of closing.
HRA just learned that the American Savings Foundation and the United Way of Central and Northeastern CT have answered the community’s call for help. This support, plus the Susie and Charles Gustin Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain – and other private donations – is enough to keep the pantry operating through December 31, 2018.
Rocco Tricarico, HRA’s Executive Director is excited to share this news. “Recent devastation from catastrophes far from New Britain is no doubt stretching everyone’s ability to give. It’s heartwarming to see that we can still respond to those in our backyard who also need our help. We have just avoided a local tragedy by helping people continue to access their basic food needs. For some, the pantry is their only source of food.”
“I cannot imagine our lives without our food pantry – the help we receive allows us to have a stable life,” said Debbie Kowaleski, a client and pantry volunteer. “My disabled husband and I are seniors living month to month on his social security. Our food stamp benefit is $15 a month. I volunteer at the pantry because I feel that it needs as much help as I can offer and I know others are much worse off.”
Nearly 22,000 people receive monthly SNAP (food stamp) benefits in New Britain (CT DSS Average Monthly Recipients by Town 2015).
“American Savings Foundation has been part of the New Britain Hunger Action Team since its inception, when a community assessment identified food insecurity as a critical need in New Britain,” said Maria Falvo, President & CEO of the American Savings Foundation. “For nearly a decade, the Osgood Food and Resource Center has made a significant difference supporting basic needs, and we are proud to continue our investment for the coming year.”
United Way of New Britain and Berlin, a Regional Advisory Board of United Way of Central and Northeastern CT, also helped launch the NBFRC in 2009 with the New Britain Food Security Collaborative, currently the New Britain Hunger Action Team (HAT) led by Foodshare. “HAT has given us a lot of organizational support and been with us every step of the way,” says Rocco Tricarico. “Our vision remains a food pantry that provides services to help those in need move toward economic self-sufficiency,” said Paula Gilberto, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We’re pleased United Way of New Britain and Berlin Regional Advisory Board stepped up to contribute critical resources at this time.”
It takes food, volunteers and monetary donations to run the NBFRC. Foodshare supplies most of the pantry food at a nominal cost with individuals, churches and businesses making other food donations. Students from CCSU, E.C. Goodwin, Jefferson Elementary and others collect and donate food annually. Four regular volunteers help with stocking. The monetary donations pay for the actual operation – staff, utilities, maintenance, etc.
“There are some in the community who make regular donations but these don’t cover everything,” Mr. Tricarico went on to say. “HRA has financially supported the NBFRC when donations have fallen short but it has become increasingly difficult in light of our other funding cuts. However, our Board of Directors is dedicated to keeping the pantry open and we are reassured by this level of private support.”
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Contact:
Caren Dickman
Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc.
cdickman@hranbct.org
860 348-2261 ext.2261
Website: www.hranbct.org