Bring Hope to the Table: UCP of Eastern CT's Food Pantry Needs Holiday Donations

This year, as our food pantry faces increased need from the community, we appreciate your support to help us feed more families, especially during the upcoming holiday season. We once served about 45 households per month — that has grown upwards to 70 households per month. The need for holiday donations has never been greater, and your help is crucial to ensure no neighbor goes hungry during this time of giving.

Bette’s Bounty Holiday Food Drive kicks off officially today, on Giving Tuesday, 12.2.25 and runs through the end of the year. Through our partnership with the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, our food pantry offers a wide variety of nutritious food options and essentials, while providing much needed job support to those facing disabilities.

It's accessible to people with disabilities and their families through appointment based operations to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. UCP’s dedicated team provides support, guidance and a caring atmosphere.

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.