Help Needed, Help Available To Fight Food Insecurity In Berlin

BERLIN, CT — The Town of Berlin Youth and Social Services Department has set up three primary collection points in town to collect food for the town's food pantry.

With the federal government shut down and SNAP food assistance benefits having ceased or drastically cut, Berlin is anticipating greater food pantry demand.

As a result, it has set up three food drop-off sites in town:

• Berlin Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road, Monday to Wednesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations should be placed outside in the rotunda.

• Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, 234 Kensington Road, Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A basket is set up in the foyer.

• Berlin Senior Center, 13 Colonial Drive, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A table is set up at the entrance.

Items especially needed are: canned fruit; peanut butter/jelly; juice; canned tuna; canned chicken; mayonnaise; macaroni and cheese; rice mixes; pasta mixes; snack foods; desserts; Stop & Shop gift cards; and financial donations.

Meanwhile, Connecticut Foodshare will be in East Berlin on Friday Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 5, and Dec. 19.

It will be at the Sacred Heart Church, 48 Cottage St., East Berlin, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. to distribute food to the food insecure.