Fighting Hunger to Build Stronger Communities

Every month, the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, operated by United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, helps put food on the table for more than 22,000 people (about the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden).  

Some 72 community programs -- like food pantries, childcare programs, community meals sites, and programs for the elderly -- visit the Food Center’s warehouse each week to “shop” for food that’s been donated by the community.

And United Way’s Mobile Food Pantry brings food directly to those in need, delivering a week’s worth of food, with special emphasis on fresh produce and healthy food items. Volunteers from local businesses and organizations provide extraordinary labor to help prepare food, set up the distributions and assist people at 10 stops each month.  

That’s just one example of how United Way is mobilizing communities to action, bringing millions of volunteers, advocates, and donors together to make life better for people around the world. We work with people and organizations from across the community to find innovative solutions to some of that community’s toughest challenges.

One of the challenges we’re tackling is hunger. Did you know that one in four children in America doesn’t know when their next meal will be?  

Kids who don’t get enough to eat begin life with a serious disadvantage. Hungry children are more likely to be hospitalized and face higher risks of health problems like anemia and asthma. As they grow up, youth struggling to get enough food are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations.

How can you help?

• Volunteer at your local food bank
• Start a community garden
• Launch a food drive at your church, mosque, or synagogue