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Hollis Helps Feed People in Need with SSKP

Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries (SSKP) makes sure that residents of 11 towns have access to groceries and meals. For SSKP Executive Director Amy Hollis, this effort is a labor of love.

In 2001, Amy and her family were relatively new residents to Westbrook and looking for volunteer opportunities.

“Not long after moving here, we were looking for a faith community. We found the pantry, and I started volunteering,” Amy explains. “Even my kids grew up helping in the pantry or at food drives.”

After many years on the perimeter of SSKP, Amy was asked to become a member of the Board of Directors in 2013. Then in 2019, she became the Executive Director.

“I’ve served with the pantry for many years in many different roles,” Amy says.

SSKP serves the residents of Essex, Chester, Clinton, Madison, Old Saybrook, East Lyme, Lyme, Old Lyme, Killingworth, Westbrook, and Deep River.

Per its website, pantries are located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme, and East Lyme that provide food for three meals for three days for the households of those who attend. The food includes fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non-perishable canned and packaged food.

In addition to the pantries, SSKP also has meal sites located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Clinton, and Westbrook.

A schedule of times for the meal sites and pantries is available on https://shorelinesoupkitchens.org/.

Asked about what she does as Executive Director of SSKP, Amy laughs and tells the Harbor News, “A little bit of everything.”

Amy says that she does a bit of planning to make sure everything is in place for meal distribution, along with overseeing the staff and being physically on site to help if need be.

“Whatever is needed is what I do,” Amy sums up.

Sadly, Amy says that the needs served by SSKP are increasing. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amy says the amount of food serves has increased by about 40 percent.

“Before the pandemic, we had served one million meal equivalents once. Last year, we served 1.4 million food equivalents,” Amy says.

Amy says in 2022 there was a reduction in the amount of aid needed, and she hoped that the tide was turning, but unfortunately, 2023 saw a large increase in people seeking aid—something that Amy attributes to other aid programs ending. Last year, around two million pounds of food were distributed at the panties alone, not counting the meals served at meal sites.

“It’s kept us busy,” says Amy. “Our goal is simple: We want to make sure people have access to food and fellowship.”

With a staff of only 11 people, Amy says that SSKP is always looking for volunteers, whether it’s to carry heavy boxes, help at meal sites, or give food year-round.

“Most giving happens in the fourth quarter of the year, which is great, but people need to eat year-round,” Amy says. “Something as simple as buying an extra can of something to donate when there is a sale goes a long way.”

Anyone who wants to volunteer with the SSKP can send an email to volunteer@shorelinesoupkitchens.org or call 860-388-1988.

While the needs are increasing, Amy did highlight one way that communities served by SSKP have united to combat hunger in the area. Last year, all 11 towns served by SSKP donated $10,000 of their American Rescue Plan Act money so that SSKP can purchase a new truck with refrigerator on it. Amy says the truck is used to make deliveries and transport food from one pantry to another, and the refrigeration makes it easier to transport certain foods in the summer months without worrying about it spoiling.

“Eleven towns contributed together to make sure people have access to food, and that is amazing,” Amy says. “I want to than the town leaders for coming together to do that.”

As for what she likes most about her job, Amy points to the people with whom she interacts.

“Working with incredible people,” Amy says. “Our staff, our volunteers, our faith communities—everything comes to together to make sure people have access to food. People are nice.”

Amy recalls that even as a kid she would volunteer at initiatives aimed at fighting hunger.

“Nobody should have to choose between paying the electric bill or fuel or a doctor’s appointment and food,” Amy states.

Amy originally grew up in Oregon, outside of Portland, but has lived in Westbrook since 1999. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking and photography.

“My favorite part about Westbrook is the people, the community I’ve found here,” says Amy. “I feel really grounded here.”