New Haven IKEA To Hold 2-Day Food Drive For Coronavirus Relief

NEW HAVEN, CT — The IKEA store on 456 Sargent Street will be holding a two-day food drive to help the city's Salvation Army coronavirus relief efforts.

The food drive will be held on Sept. 11, 7 a.m.- 4 p.m., and Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the store.

"This year has been challenging to say the least," said Captain Charles Adams, Commanding Officer at The Salvation Army in New Haven. "But The Salvation Army has continued to serve our community and meet needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Hunger and food insecurity continue to grip many of the families we serve, and these issues are only compounded by the uncertainty and crippling financial effects of this pandemic. This amazing work is only possible through our generous donors and supporters. We are asking for your continued support on September 11-12 as we collect food to support our New Haven food pantry's COVID relief efforts. Drop off your donations to the IKEA parking lot and help us help families in need."

Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger relief organization, says coronavirus-related economic crises could push the number of food insecure Americans to 54 million by year's end. That's 17 million more Americans than who were food insecure before the pandemic.

In New Haven County, about 104,390 people were considered food insecure before the pandemic, according to Feeding America's "Map the Meal Gap" interactive study.

All non-perishable food collected will go to families in need. IKEA says cash donations will also be accepted. Specific foods needed are canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned soup, shelf-stable milk, cereal, and canned tuna.

Jeff Zeitlin, IKEA New Haven Loyalty Manager, said: "IKEA New Haven is pleased to support The Salvation Army of Southern New England’s Food Drive to support COVID-19 Relief efforts here in our hometown of New Haven. Through the pandemic, we have worked with several local organizations to try to improve the living situation for many who have been adversely affected in these challenging times. The Salvation Army, through this Food Drive, is helping to serve those in need, and we applaud their efforts and are pleased to host this event."

For more information on the Salvation Army of New Haven, click here.

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.