Stop & Shop Mother's Day Flowers Turning Into Boost For Eastern Student Food Bank

WILLIMANTIC, CT — Eastern Connecticut State University's on-campus food pantry for students, Shawn's Cupboard, is again partnering with the Willimantic Stop & Shop for a fundraiser this May.

And M other's Day could add an additional boost.

Throughout the month, the supermarket's Bloomin' 4 Good program will donate $1 to Shawn's Cupboard for each specially marked $10.99 bouquet sold.

Shawn's Cupboard provides food for all Eastern students dealing with food insecurity. Located in Knight House and sponsored by the University's Campus Ministry, the pantry provides an assortment of perishable and nonperishable foods, free of charge with no appointments necessary.

In the 2023-24 academic year, nearly 300 students visited Shawn's Cupboard more than 900 times and received nearly 7,000 food items, from fresh fruit and snacks to microwaveable meals and pasta.

Stop & Shop's Willimantic store, located at 1391 Main St., has partnered with Shawn's Cupboard for several past programs. Last September, Stop & Shop's Community Bags Program donated $1 to Shawn's Cupboard for each $2.50 reusable "Give Back" grocery bag sold.