Help Fill UCP of Eastern CT’s Food Pantry Shelves For The Holidays

There is still time to step up and help stock UCP’s Bette’s Bounty Food Pantry for the holidays. With demand rising from about 45 households per month to nearly 70, the pantry urgently needs your support to keep shelves filled and meals on the table for people with disabilities and their families in Eastern CT.

Bette’s Bounty Holiday Food Drive runs through the end of the year and your actions matter. Donate food or make a financial contribution today so the pantry can continue to offer a wide variety of nutritious options and essentials through its partnership with the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center.

The pantry operates by appointment to ensure an accessible, safe, and inclusive experience for people with disabilities and their families. UCP’s dedicated team stands ready to welcome each visitor with support, guidance, and a caring atmosphere—but they need your help today to keep the shelves full all season long.

Bette’s Bounty Food Pantry has several key points of distinction:

· Its mission addresses the unique challenges confronting people with disabilities.

· The food bank serves only people with disabilities and their families in Eastern CT.

· The pantry offers individuals with disabilities job skills — by volunteering, they learn and practice essential employment skills while contributing to a worthy cause.

WHAT WE NEED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

· Breakfast Food: Oatmeal, Cereal, Pancake Mix

· Peanut Butter

· Pasta

· Rice

· Refrigerated Items: Meat, Eggs, Milk, Cheese

· Canned goods: Fruit, Vegetables

· Soups & Stews

· Canned Fish

· Beans

· Diabetic Friendly Foods: Low Sugar, Low Salt

· Ready-made Microwavable Foods

· Personal Care Items

· Cleaning Supplies

Volunteers play a pivotal role in our network

Volunteer opportunities include helping us make food deliveries and setting up appointments. Many of the people we serve at UCP of Eastern CT also volunteer their efforts. By participating in the food pantry initiative, individuals gain valuable work experience, hone communication and problem-solving skills and develop a sense of purpose.

A Strong Call for Support

The challenge is great—but with your food or financial donations, the community can turn the tide against hunger and isolation for some of its most vulnerable members. Please donate food, essentials, or funds, and consider volunteering to ensure the pantry remains a source of hope, nourishment, and opportunity throughout the holidays. Every contribution makes a difference—join UCP in building a more inclusive and compassionate community this season.

If you know someone in need, please send them to Bette's Bounty:

The pantry is located at 42 Norwich Road in Quaker Hill. Click here for directions.

OPEN Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm by appointment. Call 860.968.3663 (860.968.FOOD)

To make a financial donation, click here.

To set up a food donation, Call 860.968.3663 or drop off items at UCP at the address above.