Hartford-Based Foundation Wages Food Insecurity Fight

Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

HARTFORD, CT — The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving announced last week it is making long-term and emergency investments in nonprofits addressing food insecurity, homelessness, and well-being.

This year to date, the Hartford Foundation has awarded $2.5 million to key nonprofits throughout Greater Hartford, specifically addressing hunger.

By year's end, the foundation will have awarded nearly $8 million in grants for a range of basic needs.

Foundation-directed dollars are enhanced by donors.

Above the $8 million referenced above, the foundation deployed $3 million earlier this year to the 29 Greater Together Community Funds, where resident volunteers award much of these funds to organizations supporting the immediate, basic needs of their neighbors.

“Our investments support the entire food security ecosystem – from organizations that tackle systemic issues, distribute and coordinate food across our region, and mobilize community partners and volunteers to work on long-term solutions to food insecurity to the hundreds of hyper-local food pantries that directly provide food to residents,” said Vice President, Community Impact, Elysa Gordon. “We strive to provide stable, steady support while ensuring that we are nimble to help community partners navigate an uncertain and rapidly changing environment.”

As a community foundation, the Hartford Foundation’s grantmaking focuses on individual nonprofits and the adjacent systems and services that impact food security and other basic needs.

Foundation partners helping to address food security and emergency needs include:

•Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving the people of Connecticut and a partner food bank of Feeding America’s nationwide network.

•End Hunger Connecticut! is a statewide anti-hunger and food security organization.

•Midwest Food Bank New England began serving neighbors from its facility in Manchester in 2021.

•Hands On Hartford is dedicated to supporting individuals and families in Hartford by providing a range of services that address basic needs and promote long-term stability.

• The Chrysalis Center helps individuals living below the poverty level and struggling with food insecurity, dealing with substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, release from incarceration, and homelessness.

•Chicks Ahoy Farm is a Bloomfield-based nonprofit working to increase the number of farmers of color in Connecticut.

For more information on the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's food insecurity fight, click on this link.