​New Program To Combine Local CT Food Pantries' Purchase Power

Danbury CT

28 April, 2021

2:11 PM

Description

CONNECTICUT — A new initiative aims to establish a buying group for community-based food pantries, soup kitchens, and other nonprofits throughout the state. The "Full Shelves Initiative," organized by anti-hunger nonprofit End Hunger Connecticut!, will be funded by a $250,000 Innovation Grant awarded by ACME Market Foundation's Nourishing Neighbors Community Relief Initiative. The new program will provide contracted pricing for the approximately 30 percent of food needs not covered by the existing Connecticut Food Bank or donation process, according to a news release from EHC. Organizers will leverage their buying power to secure pricing contracts with regional food wholesalers, with the intention of developing more efficient buying practices, and establishing best practices for ordering, storing, and distributing products. "For too long, these hard-working organizations have had to fend for themselves to complement the great work being done by Connecticut Food Banks," said Full Shelves Initiative Resource Director Patrick Dowling. "We see great opportunities in building a sustainable framework to encourage efficiency and reduce stress in sourcing quality food in communities in every corner of the state."