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Daily Bread
overwhelmed
by generous
support
PUTNAM — The Daily Bread Food Pantry has much to celebrate during this final month of 2013, as the generosity of local residents and community businesses restock shelves emptied during the holiday season.
On Dec. 13, Rachael Arcand, grant writer for Interfaith Human Services of Putnam, learned that the organization had been approved for a $500 grant from Stop & Shop (in gift cards) to be used toward the food pantry’s fresh/frozen vegetable initiative. The donation request from Arcand noted the organization’s interest in continuing to encourage nutritious choices and discussed the health benefits of fresh and frozen foods vs. canned only.
Shawn Johnston, president of the IHSP Board of Directors, said, “This is terrific news for Daily Bread as we continue to strive to help provide supplementary food assistance to individuals and families in need in our Region! The Stop & Shop gift cards will help us to provide additional options of providing both fresh and frozen vegetables to Daily Bread recipients. During the growing season we are able to accept and distribute fresh fruits and vegetables at our Daily Bread Food Pantry but unfortunately are unable to do the same in the winter non-growing season. This grant will help us to launch our new initiative to provide coupons redeemable at local grocery stores for both fresh and frozen produce, modeled after our highly successful milk coupon program. Recipients of these coupons will have the convenience of greater choice in vegetables and in addition will provide healthier more nutritional options for them as they strive to maintain a healthier diet. We are so very appreciative of the generosity of Stop and Shop in becoming a partner of ours in this exciting endeavor!” Donation requests at Stop & Shop for requests of less than $1,000 are reviewed on a rolling basis.
In addition to this news, recent contributions have made a significant impact at the food pantry. While restocking after Thanksgiving is always difficult, and the number of clients seen at the pantry continues to increase, the community assists Daily Bread in meeting the need.
Recently, a local recording artist hosted an event at Pyzzz Brick Oven, donating the proceeds to the food pantry. Putnam Bank and several dedicated friends met a need – supplying sleeping bags for the area’s homeless population. Outreach and prevention services are offered by IHSP.
On Dec. 20, Daily Bread volunteers were overwhelmed by a donation from Charlie Pious and the employees at Nutmeg Container in the amount of $4,025. This, in addition to contributions from the Annual Appeal and support from the WINY Food Chain, will go far in the effort to support neighbors in need.
The food pantry also received $500 in gift cards from St. Mary’s Church.
IHSP – Daily Bread Secretary, Community Resource/Volunteer Coordinator Kathi Peterson offered her gratitude to all those who contribute in any way to the organization, ensuring that the many programs offered by IHSP are maintained for those in need.