Enfield Food Shelf Continues Service At New Larger Location

ENFIELD, CT — The Enfield Food Shelf, a nonprofit hunger relief agency whose motto is "ensuring no Enfield family in need is without food assistance," is now providing even better service to its clientele with a recent move to a larger location in a building adjacent to its longtime home.

More than a half-century after its humble beginnings helping five families in 1968, the Food Shelf has grown tremendously, making the space it has leased since 2003 at 96 Alden Avenue inadequate. In October, the agency moved into space at the rear of the Mountain Laurel Shoppes, a larger area last occupied by the Connecticut Department of Labor CTWorks Career Center from 2011 to 2018.

The new space, consisting of nearly 5,400 square feet, is 1,400 more square feet than the Alden Avenue site, and will enable customers to enjoy a more comfortable shopping experience.

"We now have walk-in coolers and freezers, and will have a dedicated shopping area," Executive Director Kathleen Souvigney said during an on-site tour and interview with Patch. "Some wonderful contractors have been very helpful getting us set up for where we want to be."

Souvigney said the need for more room has been a concern for the last few years.

"We've been out of space for quite some time in that building," she said. "We wanted to give families who shop here a more store-like opportunity."

Volunteers are the backbone of the organization. They pick up food donations, sort, process and stock food and non-food items, assist new and returning shopping families during food distribution and provide facility maintenance such as breakdown of cardboard and cleaning.

"We and our families are very fortunate to have this group of volunteers," Souvigney said. "Their dedication and commitment to assisting families in need is a model for everyone."

The agency is seeking volunteers for two important positions: a retail driver to pick up donations at local stores, and a web writer/social media manager, who would update the agency website, post information on social media accounts and create content about the organization.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, clients are utilizing drive-up services for the time being. Regular hours are Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon for walkers, bus riders and home delivery, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drive-thru pickup.

The agency will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and also from Dec. 25 through Jan. 2, 2021.

Donations of food and personal care items are always welcomed at the side door of the plaza, behind Subway. Direct monetary donations may also be made by clicking here.

This story is part of Patch's new partnership with Feeding America. Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

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