The Board of Selectmen last week approved the annual lease with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church to host the New Canaan Food Pantry.
Supported by donations, the Food Pantry provides non-perishable items to qualified individuals and families living in New Canaan.
The lease, at $1,000 per month or $12,000 for the year, includes the pantry itself and two storage rooms for non-perishables in a church building.
“It is one of the community’s best resources and it’s really used,” Selectman Steve Karl said at the Board’s regular meeting, held Nov. 18 at Town Hall and via videoconference.
“Thank you to St. Marks for hosting it,” he added.
First Selectman Dionna Carlson, Karl and Selectman Amy Murphy Carroll voted 3-0 in favor of the lease.
The selectmen asked whether the lease rate has remained the same year-over-year (yes) and whether the funds for the lease come from the town or as a pass-through at the meeting (it’s all donations).
“Whether people realize it or not, we just approve it but people are donating money for it, which is great, “ Murphy Carroll said.
The lease runs through Dec. 31, 2026.
Marcy Rand, director and adult and senior services coordinator in the New Canaan Department of Human Resources, said “it was beautiful to watch last month how generous the residents have been to the Food Pantry.”
She appeared to refer to when a federal government shutdown resulted in a threat to November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance or “SNAP” benefits.
The Food Pantry at St. Mark’s is open every other Tuesday with one-hour morning and evening distribution times. Food donations are accepted seven days per week.
If you are a resident in need of food, please call the Human Services Department at 203-594-3076.
Great news! And I have a question. Photo shows some gorgeous produce while article mentions non-perishables. Does the food pantry provide produce as well?
St. Mark’s works the Gospel Garden, they harvest 2,000 lbs of vegetables each year for the Food Pantry and P2P. Also other efforts like the South School Garden contribute to the Food Pantry.
John Michael BC is doing an amazing job at Gospel Garden! Thank you for your energy and leadership. For taking on a project near and dear to me, so impactful, important and grass roots. You are rockstar🤩(with a green thumb)