Program Growth

     What began as a small, local effort has quickly grown into a regional movement of care (See charts below).

     When Refill the Pantry launched in 2022, the mission focused on supporting two food pantry collections in two towns: the Trumbull Food Pantry and the Sterling House Food Pantry in Stratford.

     By 2023, the need and the response had grown. The program expanded to nine collections serving five food pantries across four towns. Because volunteers stepped forward, the program reached new neighbors in Fairfield through Operation Hope and in Bridgeport through Nourish Bridgeport and the Bishop Jean Williams Food Pantry.

     The momentum continued. In 2024, Monroe Food Pantry joined the Refill the Pantry network as part of the eleven collections. The following year, the sixteen collections added the Brookfield Food Pantry and the Little Food Pantry in Stratford. Each step extended hope a little farther. Each new pantry was made possible by hands and hearts willing to serve. With every new pantry, the circle of compassion widens, bringing nourishment, dignity, and hope to more of our neighbors who need it most.

     In 2026, Refill the Pantry plans to host at least nineteen food collections and will reach more communities than ever before. This year, we proudly welcome three new partners:

·        Valley Food Pantry at Spooner House in Shelton

·        Black Rock Food Pantry in Bridgeport

·        Homes with Hope Food Pantry at the Gillespie Center in Westport

     This growth does not happen by chance. It happens because volunteers answer the call. As Refill the Pantry reaches more communities in 2026, your time, energy, and compassion are needed more than ever. Whether you’ve volunteered before or are considering it for the first time, there is a place for you in this work.

     Our 2026 schedule is on the "How To Help" page. We would be honored to serve alongside you as we continue "Answering God’s Call to Serve the Food-Insecure".