HIHS food pantry reports surge in demand, supply shortfalls and volunteer strain
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Summary
HIHS officials told the Nov. 6 Hebron Board of Selectmen that pantry visits rose sharply in October to 811 visits, FoodShare distributions and meat deliveries are inconsistent, and the pantry faces a turkey shortfall ahead of Thanksgiving along with stretched volunteer capacity.
The Hebron Integrated Human Services (HIHS) food pantry told the board on Nov. 6 that demand and supply pressures are straining operations and that community donations have been critical to meeting need.
"Last month in October, we had 811 visits where it should have been somewhere in about the 500 to 600 range," said Dwayne Brundre, vice chair for HIHS, describing a sizable month‑over‑month increase in visits. Brundre said the pantry is seeing growth in both local and out‑of‑town clients.
Brundre said HIHS has received 238 turkeys and turkey breasts so far for Thanksgiving but has 361 requests—leaving a gap of 133 birds. He said the pantry plans to buy about 60 turkeys with its own funds and is hopeful that community donors will supply the remainder.
Supply from FoodShare has tightened, Brundre said: monthly pickups have been reduced in volume and truck size (from a historically filled 26‑foot U‑Haul to a partially filled 20‑foot), and the pantry had not received meat from FoodShare for three weeks. Historically HIHS received 10,000–14,000 pounds at peak distributions; Brundre said current typical deliveries are closer to 3,000 pounds.
Local fundraising has helped: the Human Alliance donated $10,000 that HIHS spent immediately, and residents have sent packages via an Amazon wish list and mailed checks. Brundre said HIHS also has pending grant requests with Verizon and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
Staffing and volunteer capacity are constrained. Brundre said the pantry has 28 volunteers on site and another 12–15 who staff a separate weekly "red barn" distribution; HIHS employs one paid director, Krista, who works well beyond the 40‑hour position. Pantry hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday, noon–5 p.m.
When asked about income verification, Brundre said FoodShare rules prohibit asking clients for income information and allow only town residency to be recorded. He said some neighboring pantries use different processes for turkey or holiday programs that require additional forms.
Brundre also cited broader systemic challenges: a reported reversal of an expected food shipment into Connecticut and announced cuts to benefit amounts that he said would reduce assistance by about $25 a month per recipient. He said HIHS received a $5,000 credit from FoodShare tied to state actions and that the pantry will rely on local drives and donations as the winter months approach.
Brundre requested food, grocery cards, gas cards and monetary donations to maintain services; he described continuing coordination with local schools, volunteers and community groups.
