7 'Free Little Pantries' Now Aiding the Hungry In South Windsor

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — A nonprofit organization started three years ago by a 9-year-old from South Windsor has expanded its services to include installing small food pantries in seven communities in northern Connecticut, including seven sites in his hometown.

Tiernan Cabot, now 12, founded Hartford Bags of Love in 2017 to assist homeless persons in their efforts to find work. The organization's mission statement reads, "One of the biggest hindrances to obtaining a job being part of the homeless population is not having basic needs to look presentable for an interview. Our goal is to provide "bags of love" full of basic essentials like toiletries, and work with our community to spread the love throughout Connecticut, and the world."

On the organization's website, Cabot wrote, "Our 'bags of love' include items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps, socks, and deodorant."

The effort to aid those in need has expanded to include multiple locations for "Free Little Pantries." Cabot wrote, "Due to the pandemic, many more people are dealing with food insecurity and we want to do our part to help those in need."

A total of six Free Little Pantries have opened in South Windsor, with a seventh at St. Peter's Episcopal Church slated to be dedicated Sunday to longtime community volunteer Kristine Penfield Jenkins, who passed away suddenly Aug. 24. Other South Windsor sites are:

• 57 Windsorville Rd.
• 215 Main St.
• Avery Street Church - 661 Avery St.
• Our Savior Lutheran Church – 239 Graham Rd.
• The Islamic Center of South Windsor – 100 Long Hill Rd.
• Pleasant Valley School - 591 Ellington Rd.

The roadside cabinets contain items such as canned vegetables, soup, cereal and jam. A sign attached to each cabinet encourages visitors to "leave what you can, take what you need."

Other area Free Little Pantries have opened or are planned in Ellington, Manchester, Enfield, Vernon, East Windsor and West Hartford.

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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.

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