TORRINGTON, Conn. — The United Way of Northwest Connecticut has announced the incorporation of Stock the Shelves into its suite of community support programs.
The goal of the new collaboration is to expand upon the growth the grassroots initiative has built over the last several years, according to officials.
Stock the Shelves’ mission is connecting the business and local community to area food pantries and soup kitchens through a single, volunteer network.
Recognizing the need to assist pantries and kitchens in re-stocking food supplies after the COVID pandemic, Stock the Shelves founders—Lisa Ferris, Jeff Geddes, Anita Rosa, John Seagrave, and Lauren Zordan—decided to tackle the problem many businesses face: “With a need so large, how can we support everyone?”
Stock the Shelves became a group businesses and organizations could donate to directly, allowing food and monetary contributions to be equitably divided among the facilities that needed them most.
Today, Stock the Shelves provides food and funds to 12 different soup kitchens and food pantries across the Northwest Corner.
Established in 2022, the effort has donated nearly 40,000 pounds of food and provided grants in excess of $35,000 to help fight food insecurity.
As part of the new collaboration, Stock the Shelves will merge its network and volunteer team with the extensive resources of Northwest United Way.
Under the leadership of new Executive Director Lisa Ferris, the partnership will enhance efforts to combat food insecurity in the region.
“By bringing Stock the Shelves under our umbrella, we are expanding our commitment to fostering community-driven solutions,” said Ferris.
“This program aligns perfectly with our mission to improve lives and strengthen our communities,” she said. “This connection offered the perfect opportunity to enhance both organizations’ efforts in the fight against hunger.”
Community members are invited to learn more about Stock the Shelves and other United Way of Northwest Connecticut programs online.
For more information, visit Northwest United Way or Stock the Shelves, or to make a donation or volunteer, contact Lisa Ferris at lisa.ferris@northwestunitedway.org.
