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Food Pantry

The mission of the Monroe Food Pantry is to provide nutritional assistance to financially struggling town residents in a manner that ensures and protects their dignity and confidentiality while combating food insecurity.

What We Do

The Monroe Food Pantry provides emergency food assistance for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Monroe. Our clients receive one week’s worth of food per month by scheduled appointments, while using the client-choice food distribution model. Via donations from major grocery store vendors, monetary and in-kind donations from Monroe town residents, businesses, organizations and our volunteers’ fundraising efforts, we are able to provide our clients with a wide range of healthy food items, including: produce, milk, eggs, frozen meat, and non-perishables.

Our Food Pantry Coordinator works with volunteers to sort food, stock shelves, assist clients with "shopping” for their groceries at the Pantry, and deliver food to home bound clients.

We serve more than 100 households per month and an average of more than 200 families per year.

Who We Assist

Pantry users must attest to meeting the current Federal income guidelines set by the USDA for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).  For a full pantry shop residents must provide proof of residency such as a current utility bill for the home (gas, oil, propane or electric) and a current driver's license and complete a Household Information Form.  More guidelines for eligibility can be found by clicking here.

How We Operate

The Food Pantry is primarily supported by the generous donations of the people in Monroe. We receive donations of non-perishable foods from concerned individuals, and through community food drives held by the Post Office, schools, churches, businesses, and service organizations. Monetary donations are used to purchase milk, eggs and other items to fill in our inventory, as necessary. We access inexpensive or free food through the Connecticut Food Bank, and the Food Pantry Coordinator makes purchases at Big Y, Stop & Shop and other food providers to fill in our inventory. Click here to find a list of items that the pantry needs.

Food Pantry Operations

  • Clients call 203-452-2817 to schedule an appointment; if you cannot keep your scheduled appointment call to let staff know.
  • Clients must call ahead for bread and produce.
  • Clients are asked to stay in their car to reduce the number of people in the building and prevent crowding.
    • Clients are asked to re-attest TEFAP information at each visit.  
    • Monroe residents who qualify for a full pantry shop will be provided a form to select items.
    • If residents would like to place their order ahead of time, or fill the order form out at home, please email the food pantry at foodpantry@monroect.gov. 


FOOD INSECURITY 

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF HELP 

In general:

  • Any previous balance will still be accessible after November 1, including carryover benefits. 
  • No new benefits will be added to cards until the shutdown ends. Starting November 1, households will not receive their regular monthly SNAP allocation. 
  • DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens. 
  • All SNAP requirements must continue to be met – including renewals.

Pantry Users: (information on website Monroe.gov/p/food-pantry)

  • Must attest to meeting the current Federal income guidelines set by the USDA for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
  • For a full pantry shop Monroe Residents must provide proof of residency such as a current utility bill for the home (gas, oil, propane or electric) and a current driver’s license and complete a Household Information Form.
  • Due to pantry size, we operate by appointment only call 203-452-2817.

FOR THOSE WISHING TO HELP

  • Amazon wish list – we will be posting items that can be purchased via Amazon which are delivered to the Senior Center and we deliver to the Food Pantry.
  • Monetary Donations – cash & check are preferred as we receive 100% of the donation. Donations can be dropped off at the Senior Center or mailed to the Food Pantry at the Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road.  For those who prefer to pay online you can go to monroect.gov/p/donations and click on Food Pantry to donate.
  • Drop off information 
    1. Monroe Food Pantry 980 Monroe Turnpike 
    2. Monroe Senior Center 235 Cutlers Farm Road – open Monday – Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
  • Ideas – having an event ask people to donate a non-perishable food item, cash or check.
    1. in lieu of gift for a birthday or anniversary ask friends to donate to our cause. 
    2. host a small food drive with neighbors, co-workers or a community group – contact our Pantry Coordinator for a list of items needed

OUR DEPARTMENT

  • The Department of Community & Social Services is comprised of 2 buildings: Senior Center & Food Pantry, with 13 employees.  As the Director I oversee the Social Services Coordinator, Elderly Services Coordinator, Food Pantry Coordinator, Transportation Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, Drivers and Custodian.
  • Mail for the Food Pantry is delivered to the Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road.
  • Mail for the Department of Community & Social Services & Senior Center are delivered to the Senior Center, 235 Cutlers Farm Road.
  • Monetary Donations for Social Services & Food Pantry are processed by me.
  • Monetary Donations for the Senior Center are processed by the Administrative Assistant.

NUMBERS

State of Connecticut Department of Social Services Facts:

  • 596 residents on SNAP
  • 2747 residents on Medicaid

Monroe Food Pantry Facts:

  • September pantry assistance: 75 families; 92 adults; 36 children and 44 seniors
  • October – 2 inquiries due to loss of SNAP benefits

WHAT WE ARE DOING

  • As a department we are working to ensure we are meeting the needs of our residents by helping them with applications for the SNAP program, other programs and the Food Pantry.
  • I have daily discussions with our Selectman to ensure we are meeting the needs of our residents.

Additional Links


Contact Information

FOOD PANTRY COORDINATOR

Eddie M. Lui

Monroe Food Pantry
980 Monroe Turnpike
Monroe, CT 06468
Email

Food Pantry Email

PHONE: (203) 452-2817

CALL: for an appointment

FOOD PANTRY MAILING ADDRESS

Monroe Town Hall
Food Pantry
7 Fan Hill Road
Monroe, CT  06468

HOURS:  

Monday 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Thursday 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

1 Thursday a month 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Friday Closed

1 Saturday a month 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM 

Inclement Weather Policy

In the instance of inclement weather, the Monroe Food Pantry will be closed if Monroe Public Schools are closed. We will not adjust our hours if there is a school delay. If we are closed and you need emergency assistance, please contact the Monroe Senior Center at 203-452-2815, and ask to speak with the Director of Community and Social Services.