Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries (SSKP) announced the delivery of a new truck, generously funded with equal contributions of $10,000 each by all 11 towns served by SSKP: Essex, Chester, Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, East Lyme, Lyme, Old Lyme, Killingworth, Westbrook, and Deep River.

This new truck has 20% more space for food, a refrigeration system to keep food safe, and a motorized lift-gate to ease the burden of loading and unloading on SSKP’s hard-working volunteers and staff. This special community-wide effort was made possible through town funds from the American Rescue Plan Act-Regular (ARPA-R) allocated in response to negative economic impacts of the pandemic.

The official presentation of the new truck occurred on Dec. 15 at Grace Episcopal Church in Old Saybrook, which hosts an SSKP lunch each Wednesday and donates space for the organization’s offices.

“This new truck is the culmination of support from all eleven towns in the SSKP region,” said SSKP Executive Director Amy Hollis. “It represents dedicated individuals who strive to make a way for all to have basic needs met. In a year when we hoped to see need lessen, we’ve instead seen need increase. Through our five pantries and eight meals sites, we are on track to share almost two million pounds of food this year. This new truck enables SSKP to continue sharing food and fellowship through our community. My heart overflows with gratitude for the collaborative efforts that ensure our neighbors have access to food.”

About Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries:

Founded 34 years ago in 1989, Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries provides food and fellowship to people in need and educates the community about hunger and poverty, serving the Connecticut shoreline towns of Essex, Chester, Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, East Lyme, Lyme, Old Lyme, Killingworth, Westbrook, and Deep River.