UCP's Food Pantry
The UCP Bette's Bounty Food Pantry Serves People With Disabilities And Their Families In Eastern CT.
Our food bank also offers volunteer opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn new job skills.
WAYS TO HELP
Two ways to fill the pantry
Host a Food Drive | Donate to Stock our Shelves
It's easy. Just call us and we'll drop off food collection bins and signage. Hold your drive whenever it works for you.
For churches, schools, businesses, farms, retailers and elected officials.
- Wish list of what's needed most
- Gifts from $100 stock the pantry for a week
- Recognition for your organization
CALL (860) 217-8558
Serve a Helping of Hope This Thanksgiving
Make Kindness the Main Course
Help a neighbor gather around the table with a little less worry and a little more hope.
LOCATION
42 Norwich Road, Quaker Hill
Get directions
HOURS
Monday – Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm
By appointment
To schedule appointments
Call 860.968.3663
(860-968-FOOD)
About the Pantry
The UCP Food Pantry is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges confronting people with disabilities in our community.
The pantry's mission aims to bridge this gap by offering a variety of nutritious food options and essentials. It is accessible to individuals with disabilities through appointment-based operations, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. UCP's dedicated team provides support, guidance, and a caring atmosphere.
One distinction of the UCP Food Pantry is that it serves only people with disabilities and their families in Eastern CT.
At the same time, it offers individuals with disabilities job skills. To that end, the Food Pantry gives individuals with disabilities opportunities to learn and practice essential employment skills while contributing to a worthy cause. The Food Pantry initiative is managed under UCP's Supported Employment Transition Program and provides much-needed job support to those facing disabilities. Its mission highlights the profound benefits of gainful employment for this community.
Employment is transformative for individuals with disabilities, giving them the chance to build self-confidence, independence, and financial stability. By participating in the food pantry initiative, program members gain valuable work experience, hone communication and problem-solving skills, and develop a sense of purpose.
Beyond personal growth, the initiative fosters inclusivity and raises awareness about the capabilities of people with disabilities. UCP is committed to creating a more equitable society by promoting employment opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities while helping to alleviate food insecurity.
UCP is a United Way of Southeastern CT partner agency committed to providing nourishment, hope, and support to those in need.
UCP is currently taking food donations for the following items:
- Peanut butter Pasta (preferably whole grain)
- Rice (preferably brown rice)
- Canned goods including soups, fruit, vegetables, stew, canned fish, and beans
- Personal care and cleaning supplies
The full wish list is in the Food Drive Brochure (PDF).
In memory of Bette
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 and her late husband, Sam, and their daughter, BethAnne resided 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, 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.