'Blessing Boxes' Distributed In Bridgeport For The Holidays

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport, in partnership with Alliance for Community Empowerment, distributed 2,000 Blessing Boxes on Wednesday, which provided essential food support to SNAP and EBT benefits recipients for the holiday season. The event took place from noon to 3 p.m. at 1151 Park Ave. in Bridgeport.

Through a convenient drive-through and walk-up format, volunteers and staff distributed the boxes, which were filled with food and household essentials, to community members. The event was
designed to ensure easy access while maintaining an efficient and welcoming experience for
residents.

"I want to thank all the volunteers from Alliance, M&T bank, and others in the city that have
partnered with Alliance," said Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim. "This event was a gesture that shows care and community, touching 2,000 people in the holiday spirit. If we can get others to remember the holiday spirit this time of year, it’s going to make a difference."

From the announcement:

Alliance for Community Empowerment’s Executive Director, Dr. Monette Ferguson,
emphasized the importance of community partnership and collective action in ensuring families
have access to food during the holiday season, “I want to thank the Ritter Foundation and the
City of Bridgeport who so graciously, without hesitation, matched the gifts that purchased these
boxes. Families will go home with meals for days at a time because of their generosity and the volunteers who have helped us move these boxes; getting them into the cars and hands of people who need them. Alliance has stepped up to organize, but everyone has stepped in to make this a success.”

The Blessing Boxes initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the City of Bridgeport and Alliance
for Community Empowerment to address food insecurity and connect residents with vital
resources. Events like this highlight the power of partnerships in strengthening community
support systems and meeting residents where they are. Residents who participated expressed
appreciation for the accessibility of the event and the continued focus on community care
throughout the city.