Community Action Agency of New Haven - Open Choice Food Pantry

Food insecurity is the new name for hunger in America, as unprecedented millions of Americans struggle to put food on the table for their families. Borrowing an idea from a recent documentary film about this crisis, A Place at the Table, we are putting a face on these stories from CAANH's Open Choice Food Pantry. Even though most of our clients work, they are still unable to make ends meet. Our Food Pantry allows clients to choose the foods they want, rather than making the decision for them, not always the way most pantries operate. Whenever possible, CAANH chooses healthful food items. Every year, Community Action Agency's Open Choice Food Pantry distributes more than 30,000 pounds of food. Through our ChiliFest and grants, we are able to buy the food provided in our pantry. The current economic situation is creating a greater need now more than ever. People who've never needed food assistance are now visiting the CAANH Food Pantry. CAANH provides an emergency food supply to eligible low income households in New Haven, once a month by appointment only. Customers can choose what goes into their bag(s) from different food groups (fruits, vegetables, cereals, rice and pasta, tuna, peanut butter, soups, meat as available), rather than receiving a pre-packed bag of food. Please schedule an appointment by calling 203-387-7700 X172. Food Pantry visits occur on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.