Branford families who will face difficult times during the Christmas holiday can obtain a free frozen turkey and basket of fixings to make their holiday meal.

The baskets will be distributed and delivered by Branford Food Pantry (BFP). Branford families in need can contact BFP's Holiday Hotline at (203) 315-8251 now through December 16 to have a basket delivered. Basket delivery takes place on Thursday, December 22; a family member or representative must be home to accept delivery. Those who can't be home to take delivery can pick up baskets at BFP's location in the ground floor of the Patricia Andriole Volunteer Services Center, 30 Harrison Ave. in Branford,  between 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 4:30-6:00 p.m. on Thurs. December 22.

BFP serves the Town of Branford by providing weekly groceries to families in need, and full turkey dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Qualified families can register for assistance at the Branford Counseling Center. The Food Pantry has just started a new program called Feed Branford Kids.  Each week this 'backpack' program will provide breakfast and lunch items to any elementary school child in need of help with weekend meals.  Parents may request these 'backpacks' by contacting the child's teacher or the school social worker. More information about the Branford Food Pantry and its efforts can be found here