Ribbon Cutting Marks Success of UCP’s Innovative Food Pantry

A ribbon cutting ceremony for Bette’s Bounty Food Pantry marked a significant milestone in UCP’s support and care for individuals with disabilities and their families living in Eastern Connecticut. On March 8, UCP of Eastern CT and United Way of Southeastern CT welcomed civic leaders, agency officials, board and community members to celebrate the official opening of the new food pantry designed to enhance food security, promote well-being and develop job skills for people with disabilities.

United Way President & CEO Dina Sears-Graves introduced State Representative Kathleen McCarty, from the 38th District covering Waterford and Montville, who underscored UCP’s and United Way’s unwavering commitment and the importance of this new program. “This is tremendous work you are doing,” said McCarty. “This initiative is creative and innovative for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to come right here for food and essentials and also to get help with employment skills.”

UCP Executive Director Jennifer Keatley commemorated Marion “Bette” Alfiero, the donor who helped make the new pantry possible by leaving UCP a very generous bequest at the end of her life, “As a special needs educator and adoptive parent of a child with disabilities, Bette knew first-hand about the challenges people with disabilities face. We thought a food pantry would be a good way to honor her. Bette understood the unique hardships individuals with disabilities must deal with to address food insecurity — specifically, limited income, inaccessible food options, physical and transportation barriers.”

The pantry’s dual mission to support people with disabilities and teach them job skills, makes it unique among food pantries. Christine Olbrys, Associate Executive Director at UCP, described how Bette’s Bounty gives people in UCP’s Employment Transition Services Program important job skills as they oversee the management of the pantry. “They handle the daily operations including scheduling appointments; they support customers while they shop; they handle inventory oversight and complete reporting requirements for United Way.” Olbrys further explained that “through these activities, they acquire essential and practical job skills.” Gainful, competitive employment is a key goal UCP strives for in each of its employment programs to provide financial security for people with disabilities as well as a sense of purpose, social connection and fulfillment.

Anne Stockton, VP of Community Impact at United Way, summed up the early success of the food pantry. “United Way was very intentional in its search for the right partner to help fulfill the highest levels of need around food insecurity. UCP met all the requirements. While Bette’s Bounty just opened at the end of last November, United Way has been able to provide the pantry with the equivalent of nearly 1,000 meals, not bad progress, in just a few months’ time.”

“This is a fabulous enterprise,” McCarty said in closing the ceremony. “We have to continue the work in the legislature to protect people with disabilities in every way. So, we’re going to spread the word about this new program.” She then presented UCP and United Way each with an Official State Citation in recognition of the innovative new food pantry program, which was endorsed by the entire Southeastern delegation.

About Bette’s Bounty Food Pantry

The new food pantry is a testament to UCP’s and United Way’s unwavering commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the Food Bank at 860.968.FOOD (3663). The pantry is located at 42 Norwich Road in Quaker Hill. (Click here for directions). Open Monday – Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm, by appointment. UCP is gladly accepting drop-off donations for food: Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm in the main lobby.

About UCP of Eastern Connecticut

UCP of Eastern Connecticut is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities. With a strong belief in inclusivity and empowerment, UCP of Eastern CT provides a variety of programs that help individuals with disabilities reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives at home, in school and at work.