Bread For Life opened its doors on September 10, 1984.  It initially operated three days a week at three different churches, serving sixteen people.  By 1990, it expanded to a five-day-a-week program.  That year it served 10,548 meals.  In 2008, BFL provided over 23,000 meals to our neighbors and friends in Southington who would otherwise go hungry.  We provided 6,500 meals to local shut-ins and 5,000 meals to seniors living in low-income housing through a new program of delivering hot, wholesome meals daily to seniors living in subsidized housing.  We not only provide a great meal, we also provide social interaction, which is so important to those living alone.  In 2008, our well-stocked food pantry helped feed nearly 2,000 people who financially qualified for supplemental food.  As you can see, BFL is a unique feeding program that has helped feed a multitude of people throughout the years.  Due to escalating heating and prescription drug costs, as well as a shift in our economy, we have seen the need for our programs increase.  We are committed to continuing to serve those who need our services so that no one may go hungry.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Hot meals are prepared and served at Bread For Life at noon daily, Monday through Friday.  We are located in the Friendship Hall behind the Mason’s Building, 76 Main Street, Southington, CT.  After a nutritious full course meal, from soup to dessert, each client receives a bagged, take-home meal containing a sandwich, fruit, dessert and other food staples.

FOOD PANTRY

Recently, we have collaborated with Southington Community Services in order to expand the hours of our pantry in an effort to better serve the needs of our community.  Qualified Southington residents in need of supplemental groceries can visit the Community Services location at 91 Norton Street, Plantsville, CT.  The hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. through 4:15 p.m.  If you are unable to visit the pantry during these times, please call Bread for Life at (860) 276-8389 or Community Services at (860) 276-2671 to schedule a time.

SENIOR FEEDING PROGRAM

In the spring of 2006, Bread For Life began a senior feeding program.  We have expanded our program to reach all of Southington’s housing authority facilities as well as Section 8 housing.  We are currently in the process of expanding our shut-in program to reach more people in need.

OUR FUTURE PLANS

Our future plans are to expand our food program service to include a weekday evening meal to accommodate those who are employed but still need our assistance.  We have procured a van to facilitate food deliveries to seniors and shut-ins in need.  We continue to work collaboratively with the faith-based communities as well as Southington Community Services and other social agencies to identify, assess, and support those who are hungry and in need in Southington.