Stop & Shop, HPHS Declare War On Food Insecurity

HARTFORD, CT — The Covid-19 pandemic and inflation in recent years have not been kind to family budgets, leading to an increase in food insecurity, especially in urban areas like Hartford.

But one high school in the city — Hartford Public High School — has recently opened up a food pantry in the school, allowing students to help themselves and their families.

Last week, Stop & Shop and HPHS celebrated the pantry's opening, with the grocery retailer donating $20,000 to the high school.

HPHS calls its food pantry "HPHS Grub Pub" and it offers food and household essentials to students and their families.

Stop & Shop and HPHS officials were on hand for the ribbon-cutting Jan. 26.

According to school and Stop & Shop officials, there is great need among the HPHS community for food pantry services.

For example, 75 percent of the school's 900 students — who are aged 14-19 — are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, according to HPHS.

In addition, of the 900 students, 175 are living in temporary housing, according to officials.

The food pantry also will benefit Little Owl Daycare, which offers daycare services to more than 20 HPHS students who have young children.

For more information on HPHS, click on this link.