For the 3rd year, local Fire Departments are hosting an area-wide food drive to collect non-perishable food for area residents in need.
The fire stations will be open to receive donations of non-perishable food on Saturday, April 26th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The donations will go to five local food pantries run by The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries.
SSKP hopes to include all fire departments in the 11 shoreline towns they serve. So far, Old Saybrook, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, North Madison, Killingworth, Niantic (both Grand Street and West Main Street), Old Lyme and Westbrook fire departments have committed to the event. Several other departments are pending. Watch for announcements on the SSKP website, www.shorelinesoupkitchens.org. All fire departments are welcome to participate.
At a time of year when food donations are low, this food will help to restock the pantries and ensure that everyone in our communities will have a place at the table.
The Soup Kitchens' five pantries combine to distribute approximately 17,000 pounds of food every week. Only 40% of this food comes from the CT Food Bank; the remainder must be either purchased or donated, so every item is appreciated. Last year’s drive raised 7,500 pounds of food, and this year’s goal is 10,000 pounds.
Please join the effort by donating food, or by holding a food drive in your neighborhood, workplace, or club, and then bringing it to a participating firehouse on April 26th.
The most needed items are:
- Canned Meats (tuna, chicken, salmon)
- Canned Fruits & Vegetables
- Peanut Butter
- Canned & Boxed Meals
- Canned or Dried Beans
- Pasta & Rice
- Cereal
Items not accepted:
- Rusty or Unlabeled Cans
- Perishable Items
- Homemade Items
- Noncommercial Packaged or Canned Items
- Alcoholic Beverages & Mixes
- Open or Used Items
For more information contact Claire at (860) 388-1988 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
