History of the New London Area Food Pantry - Part 4 (First year at the VFW)

We completed our first year at the VFW on January 8th, 2025. All indications point to a very successful year in the VFW, which is within a “food desert” part of New London. Through 2024, we served ~280 families/week, a 133% YoY increase from 2023. We expect these numbers to continue or increase through 2025.

We made several improvements to our operation in our new location, maximizing the space afforded to us by the VFW. We have been able to provide a much better Client Choice social experience for our guests. In addition, several organizations donated their resources, time and materials to help us along the way. They include:

• Thanksgiving distribution that included both traditional Client Choice and drive-thru options

• Repainting the entire interior with the Conn College Men's Soccer Team

• Construction of 3 guest benches, painted red, white and blue, with Medtronic

• Planting of 6 new trees with New London Trees and the New London Beautification Committee

• Addition of an exterior ramp, paving and repainting of lines in the parking lot with Gina Phillips and Northeast Paving

  

  Ribbon cutting

  

  Conn College Men's Soccer

  

  Benches with Medtronic

  

  NL Trees and Beautification Committee

  

  Northeast Paving

  

  Thanksgiving distribution

We have established a great working relationship with the VFW membership which we will continue to foster.

Volunteers are the key to many nonprofits and we’re no exception! Above everything, our volunteers keep our Pantry running and serving our guests in southeastern CT.