The Social Services Department is looking to boost resident participation in its food bank program to keep up with demand. A recent decrease in donations has become concerning for Social Services officials, as requests are increasing, and the pending winter months will also see an upward effect in services.

Director of Social Services Donna Falcone said the donation drop began during the COVID pandemic and has not yet recovered. The current situation is reaching crisis proportions, as the department cannot keep shelves stocked and balance donations versus demand.

“It seems that COVID and the effects of inflation are obvious factors. There were two things that occurred to cause this decrease, the other being that we had a drop-off box at Big Y in Guilford for donations, but they removed the box, and that had a big effect as well,” said Falcone. “We have seen a large drop off in both actual food donations and monetary donations. We have found that donations coming into this office for us to purchase the food for the food bank are now below what we’re having to put out for the first time. Previous years we’ve run on target, but now we are actually putting out more than we’re getting in. That has not happened in many years.”

Donations made to the department all stay within Guilford and exclusively serve town residents, according to Falcone. Residents can make an appointment with the food bank and can utilize their services up to twice a month, Falcone said.

According to Kristin Jones, program coordinator for the department, donations are critical for the program’s success and ability to serve residents.

“When COVID hit, we had a surge in donations, but as the effects of COVID have dwindled, so have the donations. Both the monetary donations and the physical donations,” said Jones.

Jones said that as donations waned, federal funds earmarked for social programs were halted this past February, compounding the problem. The food bank currently serves more than 100 households in Guilford.

“We have a large elderly base that are on a fixed income. There are a lot of our neighbors who are struggling to get enough food. Honestly, many of our patrons have seen such a large increase in food costs due to inflation, and many seniors and even young families really need these types of services to bridge the gap,” said Jones.

Jones added, “We really appreciate anybody who can help out in any small way. Every dollar helps us and helps those who need it, and is greatly appreciated,” said Jones.

Falcone urged residents to recommit to supporting this vital community resource.

“As Kristin said, any donation, no matter how small, truly helps. The food bank can’t exist without community support, so we truly depend on Guilford’s generosity,” Falcone said.

The Social Services Food Bank partners with the Guilford Interfaith Volunteers/Meals on Wheels program, ensuring those in need in Guilford can access services. The food bank focuses on the collection of food and funds, and the GIV focuses on the volunteers who assist in distribution.

Donations are accepted at the food bank site on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. only. Distribution is on Fridays only and is by appointment only. Call 203-453-8166 or email them at guilfordfoodbank.com. The Guilford food bank is located at 45 Stone House Lane in Guilford. The Palumbo’s Automotive location, 1099 Boston Post Road, accepts donations of non-perishable goods only on behalf of the Food Bank during regular business hours.

Monetary donations can also be mailed to the department via their address on Stone House Lane.