Bridgeport Rescue Mission to Open Region’s First Community Food Pantry Providing Fresh Groceries to the Poor

This summer, Bridgeport Rescue Mission will open the region’s first Community Pantry focused on providing fresh produce and wholesome groceries to better serve the poor and hungry in Coastal Connecticut. Part of the Mission’s recently opened Care Center, the Community Pantry will help meet the growing needs of the hungry and food insecure in our area.

The Community Pantry will have 1,800 square feet of dedicated space providing food outreach service in addition to the ministry’s existing food programs, including Mobile Kitchens, Mobile Pantries and the Great ThanksGiving Project. The Pantry will be the region’s first permanent pantry dedicated to providing fresh produce to families navigating poverty. Designed as a “choice pantry,” the facility allows guests to shop and select the items that best serve their family needs. Fresh milk, eggs, dairy, and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies acquired through daily food rescue operations with established food store partnerships will be available.

The Mission is experiencing a time of growth and change amongst their services as well as their leadership staff, shares Mission Board of Directors Vice Chairman Al Carey. “Ed Morgan, former President and CEO of the Bowery Mission and a Fairfield County native, has assumed the role of Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s transitional CEO and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from his years in leadership. He will help position the Mission to fully launch their Care Center and will be instrumental in the continued expansion of the Mission’s programs and services. Morgan is preparing the Mission to welcome new leadership in the future and is committed to serving our community together to meet the growing needs of Coastal Connecticut’s hungry, homeless, and addicted.”

“This past year has taught us how vulnerable so many individuals in our area are to hunger,” said Transitional CEO Ed Morgan. “During last year’s COVID pandemic, an estimated 148,000 additional individuals in Connecticut became food insecure and calls to our state food assistance hotline tripled! The Mission quickly adapted to safely serve our community through the height of COVID and realized the need to expand our food outreach programs to not only provide food for more individuals, but to ensure that food was nourishing. Our new Community Pantry focuses on nurturing the health of its guests by providing fresh, healthy food options. We want those experiencing poverty and hardships throughout our community to have adequate food to not only survive, but to thrive.”

To reserve a tour of the new Community Pantry or for more information on the Mission’s programs and services for homeless and hurting men, women, and children, visit BridgeportRescueMission.org.

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Submitted by Norwalk, CT

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