Residents Still Flocking To Rentschler For Foodshare Giveaways

EAST HARTFORD, CT — Hundreds of cars from all points in the region lined up at Rentschler Field Wednesday for yet another round of food giveaways. The events, sponsored by Foodshare, have served as "emergency" nutrition distribution programs throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

State officials have allowed Foodshare to use Rentschler Field, the football home of the University of Connecticut, as a staging area shortly after pandemic restrictions were imposed in the spring.

Lines were orderly Wednesday and the volunteers were patient, even through a steady rain. Featured food items included potatoes, breads, vegetables and a variety of dairy products.

The pickups are contactless. Volunteers load the food in the backs of vehicles in one continuous moving line.

(Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Foodshare officials said the organization has served more than 135,000 households over the past four months through the drive-up food distribution system.

Foodshare is distributing food at Rentschler Field on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The stadium is located at 615 Silver Lane, East Hartford. That's the Silver Lane entrance and the gates close at noon.

One allocation of food is allowed per car.

To find a Mobile Foodshare outdoor pantry-on-wheels site, text "FOODSHARE" to 85511 or check the Mobile Foodshare website.

To find a food pantry and other regional and local resources, call 2-1-1 or use the 211 website.

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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.

(Patch News Partner/Shutterstock)