Grant Expands Windham Food Access
Will Trzaski | News Editor
United Way's $30,000 investment will support additional mobile food pantry locations across Northeastern Connecticut.
Access Community Action Agency plans to expand its mobile food pantry operations across the Windham region following a $30,000 investment from United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and its Windham Region Advisory Board.
Announced November 5, the funding will allow the nonprofit organization to increase its mobile food distribution operations from eight locations to an anticipated 10 to 12 sites per month, improving access to groceries for residents experiencing food insecurity.
According to United Way, the mobile pantry currently serves approximately 1,400 individuals from more than 600 households across Windham and Tolland counties.
The expansion follows earlier fundraising efforts that helped restore the mobile pantry after the service was previously suspended due to insufficient funding.
During United Way’s 860Gives fundraising event earlier this year, Access raised more than $20,000, allowing the organization to restart food distributions.
The new investment is intended to build upon that progress by expanding the pantry’s reach into additional communities.
Access Community Action Agency provides food assistance, affordable housing services, and employment-related resources to individuals and families throughout northeastern Connecticut.
Its mobile pantry brings groceries directly to communities through scheduled distribution events, reducing the need for residents to travel to a permanent food pantry location.
Depending on availability, distributions may include fresh produce, dairy products, canned goods, grains, frozen proteins, and other grocery essentials.
According to Access, visitors do not need an appointment, identification, or proof of income to use the mobile food pantry. Participants complete a short sign-in form and are encouraged to bring their own bags.
United Way President and CEO Eric Harrison described the investment as part of the organization’s broader effort to reduce barriers to food assistance in the Windham region.
Emma King, executive director of Access Community Action Agency, also emphasized the importance of partnerships in responding to food insecurity throughout northeastern Connecticut.
The funding announcement did not specify the locations of the additional distribution sites or provide a timetable for when they would begin operating.
Residents interested in receiving food assistance can consult Access’ published mobile pantry schedule for current distribution locations and dates.
The expansion comes as local organizations continue efforts to address food insecurity throughout the region, particularly as the holiday season approaches.
With additional funding secured, Access aims to extend its existing distribution network and make food assistance more accessible to households across Windham and Tolland counties.
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