Megan Vo and Barbara Vasquenza in the pantry with the SUM donation.
SUM members are beginning a fourth year of support for the food pantry at Connecticut State Community College Northwestern in Winsted. Many changes and improvements occurred at the Food for Thought pantry over the summer:
We have a new liaison, Megan Vo. Megan is the Associate Dean of Student Development, with lots of enthusiasm and energy.
The pantry will now be open all year to better serve students during breaks and holidays.
The pantry has moved to Greenwoods Hall, where many student needs are addressed. This building also houses the book store, Kids Closet, (toys, diapers, clothes), Care Closet (adult clothes for job interviews), and a gift shop.
The Student Government has provided refrigerators and freezers so that perishable foods can be available. Please check with me before bringing anything perishable to SUM to donate.
New shelves and lighting give students the feeling of shopping in a grocery store, helping with self-esteem.
I was very surprised to hear that some of the 1,100 students have large families who depend on all the services that Northwestern provides. Everything in this program is FREE to students. They may visit as often as they wish.
Megan has started writing recipes to help students make healthier choices. All items in the recipe will be available at the pantry. I will keep you updated as to how we can help with this.
Toiletries, especially female hygiene products, are very needed. I have talked with Jan Baker (Days for Girls) about donating some reusable fabric menstrual kits.
Please check my list of needs below, and also at the Food Pantry display on the Wesley Hall stage on Sundays.
A huge “Thank You” to all who have given very generously these past years. I could not continue this ministry without you.
Blessings, Barbara Vasquenza
Items needed: Pasta, Sauce, Spices, Sugar, Flour, Baking Soda & Powder, Shelf Milk, Canned Pasta Meals, Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Energy Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal, Snack Foods, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Condiments, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Rice, Juice Boxes, Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, Raisins, Canned Chicken, Noodles, Crackers, Cookies, Pretzels, Microwave Pop Corn, Knorr Side Dishes.