Together We're Building a Stronger Food Security System
Supporting Our Community 1 Donation, 1 Partnership at a Time
Bette's Bounty Food Pantry
Bette’s Bounty Food Pantry is proud to support people with disabilities and their families experiencing food insecurity in our community through a partnership with the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center. A recent connection through United Way, working with CT FoodShare, introduced our food pantry to Dollar General, where we’ve formed a sustained partnership, picking up donations weekly. Recently, one of their freezers broke down. This situation opened the door to significant donations of refrigerated and frozen foods for our pantry, while simultaneously preventing potential food waste.
Systematic Food Security Solutions
The organizations in our network are working together to strengthen the food security system in a strategic way. One key approach is partnering with stores like the Montville and Uncasville Dollar General to create effective, new channels for food donation that reduce waste — a crucial part of the broader Feeding America initiative.
United Way provides training to the UCP pantry staff for food handling, safety, and properly recording food items. This helps to optimize food donations from Dollar General, ensuring each donation is handled effectively. Dollar General donations include a range of items such as milk products, lunch meats, refrigerated goods, and frozen dinners.
Volunteer Power and Grant Support
Volunteers play a pivotal role in our network. The people we serve at UCP volunteer their efforts. In turn, the pantry provides opportunities for them to learn and practice essential employment skills. By participating in the food pantry initiative, individuals gain valuable work experience, hone communication and problem-solving skills, and develop a sense of purpose.
We also collaborate with organizations like Montville Transition Academy and Norwich Transition Academy, whose volunteers, who are transitioning from high school, come to the pantry to assist us by cleaning, stocking shelves, and managing appointment scheduling. Additionally, generous grants, such as the one UCP received from the Community Foundation of Middlesex, help Bette’s Bounty extend its services to individuals with disabilities in the Old Saybrook area.
Ongoing Need
Despite efforts, Bette’s Bounty is always in need of food donations. With some food banks closing and the demand increasing during uncertain times, support is more important now than ever.
Here’s how to help:
- Businesses and organizations can hold food drives to benefit the pantry.
- People are welcome to drop off non-perishable items anytime in the food drop box conveniently located between the double doors at the front entrance of UCP at our Quaker Hill location, or you can call us to arrange an appointment at 860.968.3663.
- We also make local deliveries when transportation is a barrier.
- Visit our site to check out the types of food we accept.