Anyone from any walk of life may hit hard times and need help affording food. For local veterans, there’s another option beside the typical food pantry.
Easterseals Veterans Rally Point in Norwich commemorated the expansion of its food pantry services with a ribbon cutting Wednesday. The food pantry, which started in 2022, has more than doubled its service capacity, and now serves 40 to 70 families a month, Food Coordinator Tammy Stott said.
The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank has worked with Rally Point since last year. When Stott visits the Food Bank, she’ll have an assistant with her and 30 minutes to grab whatever the Rally Point pantry needs. The pantry typically gets 400 – 700 pounds of food each week from the Food Bank, she said.
While most of the Food Bank’s clients serve the community as a whole, niche pantries can serve as a comfortable access point, Dina Sears-Graves, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, said.
“They might not want to go to a traditional food pantry,” she said. “This is a safe space for them.”
It’s estimated that 5.9% of the state’s veteran population is living below the poverty line. This especially concerns the Rally Point, as Eastern Connecticut has the highest concentration of veterans in the state. Of its membership, 39% are 60 and older. Seniors are more prone to nutritional issues due to compounding factors including homelessness, service-related disabilities, and widowhood, a press release from the non-profit stated.
Stott, also a veteran, didn’t realize how food insecure the veteran population is until she started her job. The need is growing, changing from single individuals needing a few odds and ends, to now families of four or more, even for the adults actively serving.
Pennsylvania-based Hillandale Farms, which has facilities in Eastern Connecticut, is a major contributor to the Rally Point food pantry. The company donates 74 dozen eggs per month, Stott said.
“No fallback but here”
U.S. Navy Corpsman Willow Clauson receives food from the pantry every week. Clauson lost her civilian job, as a contractor at the clinic on base, six months ago. While she receives pay from the Navy Reserves, disability benefits and unemployment, it’s still not enough to make ends meet for Clauson and her son.
“I have no fallback but here when it comes to food,” she said.
Active-duty military and veterans need to know about the resources Rally Point provides. Beyond the food, the Rally Point offers a wide range of services for veterans and their families. While Clauson is utilizing career-related resources, including resume help, the facility also gives opportunities for recreation, mental health help, and more, she said.
What’s next?
While giving local leaders a tour of the food pantry, Stott and Director of Military Services Lori Marriot showed a room full of donated clothes. Marriot mentioned moving the clothes elsewhere to give the food pantry more space. If the pantry grew further, it’d need to increase the food it receives by 500 pounds a week and increase service to 80-90 families a month. Stott is looking for the funds to expand the program, she said.
“It’s become a mission to keep growing, and keep being able to serve our community,” Stott said.
Veteran’s Rally Point will expand its mental health service offerings next. This includes behavioral health, mental health counseling, and programs that address the entire family, President and CEO of Easterseals Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut Robin Sharpe said.
“The collaborations, like with United Way and the Gemma E. Moran Food Bank are what’s going to help us to grow,” she said. “We owe it to the people who’ve served this country.”
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Easterseals Veteran’s Rally Point in Norwich expands food pantry
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
