Tackling Food Insecurity in Fairfield County: A Nonprofit's Innovative Approach

In the heart of one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, a nonprofit organization is working tirelessly to address the growing issue of food insecurity. Person to Person, a Fairfield County-based organization, is expanding its reach with the debut of a second mobile food pantry in Stamford, adding to its network of four food pantries across the county.

Empowering Communities, One Meal at a Time

Addressing the Pandemic's Impact on Food Insecurity

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem of food insecurity in Connecticut, with Person to Person CEO Nancy Coughlin reporting a doubling of demand for food assistance in the early days of the crisis. While the numbers have stabilized, the need remains high, underscoring the importance of the organization's efforts.Coughlin emphasizes that food insecurity has been a persistent challenge in the region for decades, and the pandemic has only served to amplify the issue. "Our demand for food assistance has doubled since the pandemic in the very early days," she explains. "That number has leveled off, but it hasn't gone down at all."

Expanding Access to Nutritious Food

The new mobile food pantry in Stamford is designed to provide greater accessibility to nutritious food options for those in need. Coughlin explains that the pantry will offer a variety of items, including eggs, meat, fresh fruit, and other ingredients that can be used to prepare healthy meals.This expansion builds upon the organization's existing network of four food pantries, which have been instrumental in distributing donated and rescued food to the community. Coughlin emphasizes the importance of these donations, noting that every dollar donated can be leveraged to purchase $5 worth of food.

Holistic Approach to Addressing Needs

Person to Person's efforts go beyond just providing food assistance. The organization also offers access to financial, housing, and health services, recognizing the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity."In our food pantries, for example, we give away food that is donated through food drives and is rescued through food rescue," Coughlin explains. "But when we're not able to secure food that's donated in order to give to people, we purchase food. So with every dollar donated, we can purchase $5 worth of food."

Tackling Food Insecurity in a Wealthy County

Despite Fairfield County's reputation as one of the wealthiest regions in the nation, the issue of food insecurity persists. Coughlin acknowledges this paradox, emphasizing the importance of addressing the problem head-on."Despite being one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, Fairfield still struggles with food insecurity," she says. "This underscores the need for organizations like Person to Person to continue their efforts in supporting those in need and ensuring that no one is left behind."

Empowering the Community through Partnerships and Donations

Coughlin encourages the community to get involved in supporting Person to Person's mission. She highlights the importance of food drives and monetary donations, which can have a significant impact on the organization's ability to provide food assistance and other services."People can help the nonprofit by running food drives and donating food or money," Coughlin says. "With every dollar donated, we can purchase $5 worth of food, which allows us to expand our reach and provide more families with the resources they need."By leveraging the community's support and continuing to innovate its approach, Person to Person is poised to make a lasting impact on food insecurity in Fairfield County and beyond.