WESTPORT–The State of Connecticut has reported that “if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits.”

In response, the Town of Westport’s Human Services Department is partnering with Homes with Hope and the Westport Housing Authority to keep residents informed.

On average, Westport is a relatively wealthy town. But the perception of wealth can obscure the fact that many Westporters suffer from food insecurity. Many Westporters rely on assistance to feed themselves and their families. 

In fact, according to the CEO of Homes with Hope, Helen McAlinden, the Gillespie Center serves up an average of 1,500 meals per month. With SNAP benefits potentially curtailed as of Saturday, that number could skyrocket.

In a conversation with Westport Journal, McAlinden said:

As the government lockdown continues, we anticipate that SNAP benefits may be disrupted as early as next week. This will put many of our neighbors at risk of food insecurity, and we expect to see a significant increase in the number of people turning to the Homes with Hope Food Pantry for assistance. 

At Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, our Food Pantry is open to anyone experiencing food insecurity. We are committed to ensuring that every individual and family in Westport and our neighboring towns has access to nutritious food and basic essentials. In addition to non-perishable items, we provide milk, eggs, meat and more to those in need. 

To help us meet this growing demand, we ask Westport Journal readers to consider donating to the food pantry at 45 Jesup Road. You can find our list of most-needed items here, make a monetary donation here or purchase items from our Amazon Wish List. 

We are deeply grateful for the continued generosity and support of our community — together, we can ensure that no one in Westport goes hungry.

As the situation evolves, Elaine Daignault, Director, Westport Human Services, said the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will share updates here. Also, End Hunger CT provides advocacy and support. Their SNAP Hotline is 866-974-SNAP.

Local food resources:

Homes with Hope
Gillespie Center
Serving lunch daily at noon
Serving dinner daily at 5 p.m.
Food Pantry is open on Mon, Tue and Fri 1:30–4 p.m. and on Thu 1:30–6 p.m.
45 Jesup Road
Westport
203-226-1661
hwhct.org/food

Westport Women’s Club Food Pantry
℅ Westport Human Services
203-341-1050
humansrv@westportct.gov

Westport Center for Senior Activities
Serving lunch Mon-Fri at noon
Home-Delivered Meals
Paulina Przybysz
203-341-5097
www.westportcsa.org

Westport Public Schools
Free & Reduced Lunch
Apply confidentially here
Register for Filling in the Blanks here

Person-to-Person Mobile Food Pantry
Monthly distribution in Westport; schedule here
203-655-0048
caseworkservices@p2pHelps.org.

Connecticut Foodshare
Statewide food assistance locator
Text FOODSHARE to 85511 for dates and locations

Call 2-1-1
24/7 access to food, housing, and social service resources across Connecticut

For assistance or questions, contact the Westport Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.

Where the well-fed can help:

Homes with Hope Food Pantry
Donate online at www.hwhct.org
Accepting non-perishable food and monetary donations

Westport Woman’s Club Food Closet
Drop off non-perishable donations to the Clubhouse at 44 Imperial Ave., Westport
Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Town of Westport Human Services Food Fund
Donate to the “Area of Most Need” here
Mail checks (payable to “Town of Westport – DHS Food Fund”) to
Westport Human Services
110 Myrtle Ave.
Westport, CT 06880

Westport Housing Authority
Accepting monetary donations to support residents in need
Visit here
Amanda Sayegh
ASayegh@westportha.org
203-227-4672, ext. 13