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03/29/2023 02:03 PMFor the 11th year, Connecticut shoreline fire departments will partner with The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP) to host a one-day food drive on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to collect non-perishable food for shoreline residents in need at participating fire stations as well as several grocery stores and businesses along the shoreline.
This year SSKP is especially grateful for such a community-wide effort because the number of those visiting their food pantries this year is currently 26% higher than in pre-pandemic times. Last year SSKP distributed 1.7 million pounds of food – more than ever in its 34-year history. Every food item donated will make a real difference to local families struggling with food insecurity.
Many local fire departments will collect non-perishable food for SSKP during this food drive, one of their largest food drives of the year. Shoreline fire departments already committed include Old Saybrook, Essex, Westbrook, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, and North Madison. Watch for announcements as other fire departments join in this special food drive.
Fire department teams will collect donations at their firehouses and local grocery stores, including Robert’s Food Center in North Madison; Stop & Shop in Old Saybrook and Clinton; Big Y in Old Saybrook and Clinton; ShopRite in Clinton; and Walmart in Old Saybrook. In addition, donations can be brought to, Mirsina’s Restaurant in Old Saybrook, the Parthenon Diner in Old Saybrook, Sal’s Pizza & Pasta in Old Saybrook, the Little Pub in Old Saybrook, and Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex will be accepting non-perishable food donations, along with the Essex Savings Bank and Staples in Old Saybrook. Please note that these additional locations accept non-perishable food donations during regular business hours through Saturday, April 15.
This large annual food drive will help to restock the pantries and ensure that everyone in our local communities will have a place at the table. Please join the effort by donating food or by holding a food drive in your neighborhood, workplace, or club and then bringing the food donations to one of the participating shoreline firehouses. Please note that these participating fire departments can only accept food during the food drive on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please do not drop off food at these firehouses before that date.
The most needed food items are canned soup; canned fruit/applesauce; boxed meals, such as mac and cheese; Chef Boyardee type items; cereal/oatmeal; canned tuna/chicken; pasta and sauce; white rice; beans; canned tomatoes; and vegetables.
In addition, donations can be made by check. Please make the check payable to SSKP (with “FD Drive” in the memo field) and drop off the check on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at one of the participating fire stations.
This year’s food drive will feature local TV and radio personalities, including Gil Simmons, Chief Meteorologist for NEWS 8 WTNH, and talk-show host Lee Elci, the morning personality on his popular Lee Elci Show on 94.9 FM News Now-Stimulating Talk. Simmons and Elci will join firefighters and volunteers on Saturday morning, collecting food items at the Old Saybrook Fire Department Headquarters, 310 Main Street, Old Saybrook.
The Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries and participating shoreline fire departments also want to extend their special thanks to this year’s Food Drive Media Sponsors, including Shore Publishing/Harbor News; 94.9 FM News Now-Stimulating Talk; Soft Rock WBMW 106.5; and Jammin’ 107.7 FM, which will host a live broadcast from the OSFD Headquarters during the April 15 food drive.