Host a Food Drive for Bette's Bounty Food Pantry
One month. One community partner. A year of caring.
Help keep shelves stocked year-round. UCP invites churches, schools, businesses, farms, retailers, and elected officials to join a 12-month calendar of food and personal care drives, with a partner hosting each month.
About the Pantry
Bette’s Bounty provides nutritious food and everyday essentials to people with disabilities and their families across Eastern Connecticut. The pantry offers a welcoming, appointment-based setting at UCP’s Quaker Hill campus.
Through UCP’s Supported Employment Transition Program, participants gain work experience and practice communication and problem-solving skills while helping the pantry serve the community.
Named in honor of Marion “Bette” Alfiero, a beloved Montville schools teacher’s assistant, the pantry carries forward her kindness and care for people with disabilities.
Your Commitment
- Choose your month. Coordinate with UCP and host one food and personal care drive.
- Name a point person. Share your coordinator’s contact information with UCP.
- Collect what’s needed. Use the wish list on page two and confirm current priorities. Quality over volume.
- Deliver at month’s end. Call Joanna at (860) 217-8558 to arrange delivery and unloading at 42 Norwich Road, Quaker Hill.
Your Generosity Deserves Recognition
- Website: Your organization listed on UCP’s pantry webpage.
- Social media: A delivery photo post tagging your organization’s pages.
- Annual report: A listing in “Partners of Bette’s Bounty.”
What to Collect
Focus your drive on shelf-stable food, personal care products, and household essentials.
Food & Pantry Staples Everyday Basics Rice, pasta, pasta sauces, dry or canned beans, peanut butter, jelly, bread, mashed potatoes, cooking oils, oatmeal, and cereal. Canned & Easy Meals Canned vegetables, fruit or fruit cups, tuna, chicken, salmon, Vienna sausages, canned soup, Maruchan ramen, and complete meals or other easy microwave foods. More Shelf-stable Favorites Applesauce, pudding, Jell-O, coffee, hot chocolate, evaporated milk, seasonings/spices, taco shells or tortillas, condiments, and snacks. | Personal Care & Household Personal Care Deodorant, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, baby wipes, lotion, mouthwash and dental floss. Household Essentials Laundry detergent, fabric softener, cleaning supplies (Bleach & disinfecting wipes), toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, dish soap, aluminum foil and Ziploc bags. Fresh & Refrigerated Butter, cheese, yogurt, lactose-free milk, fruit and vegetables. Call UCP before collecting to arrange storage and delivery. |
Donation and Delivery Guidelines
- Give usable, in-date items. Donate new, unopened products in good condition.
- Pack separately. Keep personal care and cleaning products apart from food.
- Arrange delivery. Call Joanna before bringing donations at the end of the month. Confirm the time, unloading details, and any fresh-food storage needs.
Reserve your month and help keep Bette’s Bounty stocked all year.
UCP is a United Way of Southeastern CT partner agency.
Ready to Host?
Contact Joanna Marrero, Food Pantry Coordinator
Call (860) 217-8558
Pantry Line:
860.968.3663 (860-968-FOOD)
Pantry Services (By Appointment):
Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
42 Norwich Road, Quaker Hill, CT 06375
How Bette's Bounty Food Pantry Started
In August 2022, the community of Montville and the broader world lost a remarkable individual, Marion “Bette” Alfiero, at the age of 92. According to all who knew her, Bette’s life was characterized by kindness, compassion, and an unwavering love for people facing special challenges. Bette, her late husband, Sam, and their daughter, BethAnne, lived in the Montville area for many years. Bette was a beloved teacher’s assistant in the Montville Public School System, known to all her students as “Mrs. A.” Her favorite colors were lavender and purple, and her home was adorned with elephant figurines, reflecting her special affection for these majestic creatures. Her heart was open to everyone, and she had a particular fondness for people with disabilities. Bette’s story of empathy continues through her legacy, which she entrusted to UCP.