Services

Basic Needs

HVCC Basic Needs program provides assistance to individuals and families in a manner which promotes independence while assuring basic needs are met in a dignified manner, regardless of ability to pay, to prevent hunger and homelessness.

Programs offered:

• Emergency food, fresh produce, and bread items - distributed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis depending on need.
• Before- and after-school children's snack program.
• Workshops on topics to improve quality of life for low income families.
• Referrals to energy assistance programs.
• Food, clothing and household items provided to victims of fire or abuse to set up new households.

The Tri-Town Food Pantry is an emergency food source for residents of Vernon, Tolland, and Ellington. The food is free to individuals who meet income and residency requirements. The Pantry is located at 29 Naek Road, Suite 5A.

Food Pantry Hours

Monday 9 -12
Tuesday 10-1 and 5-7
Wednesday 9-1 and 4-6
Thursday 9-1
Friday 9-12
Closed Saturday and Sunday

Information for our clients:

• Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis and will be distributed as equitably as possible based on the items on hand and the size of the family.
• To be eligible to receive food from the Pantry, you must live in Vernon, Tolland, or Ellington and meet income requirements.
• To determine if you meet eligibility requirements, please call 860-872-7727 and ask to speak to a case manager. The case manager will set up an intake meeting with you to determine your eligibility.
• Please bring the following items with you to your intake meeting:
• Proof of address (utility bill, state-issued ID)
• Proof of income of all household members
• Social Security cards for all household members
• Photo ID
• You are entitled to obtain food from the Pantry once every 30 (thirty) days. Some additional items, including bread and some produce, are available on a daily or weekly basis.
• You must bring your own bags to the Pantry to carry out your food.

Other Services

Our clients may also benefit from the following free services:

• Cut Ups Hair Salon gives free haircuts to our clients once a month. Upcoming dates are August 8th from 10-4, and September 12th from 10-4. Please contact Faith at 860-872-7727 to set up an appointment.
• Vouchers for discounted spaying, neutering, and routine vaccines are available from Town & Country Vet in Vernon. Please contact Faith at 860-872-7727.
• A representative from East Hartford Community Healthcare will be at the Tri-Town Pantry on the following Tuesdays from 10-1: July 26, August 23, and September 27. They will be available to educate clients on healthcare, HUSKY, food stamps, Medicaid, and other services they offer to families with low or no income.
• There will be a Nutritional Workshop held on September 7, from 12-1:30. Please call Faith if you are interested in attending.
• Foodshare has provided us with Farmers' Market Coupons to distribute to our clients. The coupons can be redeemed for fresh produce at participating Connecticut markets - view a list by county here (pdf). Please call the Pantry for more information.

Mobile Foodshare

In addition to our Food Pantry in Vernon, clients may also be eligible to participate in the Mobile Foodshare program. The Foodshare van visits Vernon every other Thursday. There are 2 different locations:

Corner Stone Soup Kitchen 11:00-11:30 am 3 Prospect Street (Enter at 6 Cottage Street) Park West Apartments 1:00-1:45 pm 178 Terrace Drive

Upcoming Mobile Foodshare Dates for 2011:

July 21 Aug 4 & 18 Sept 1, 15, & 29 Oct 13 & 27 Nov 10 Dec 8 & 22

For more information or to determine eligibility, please contact Foodshare at 860-286-9999.

We are always in need of donations to keep the Tri-Town Pantry running. Please visit http://www.hvcchelps.org/food-pantry.cfm or click on "Food Pantry" under our Donations menu to find out how you can help us help others!