Human Services director presses for FoodShare partnership as local demand rises

Asana, Mansfield’s Human Services director, told the Human Rights Commission she has been seeking for several years to reestablish a partnership with Connecticut FoodShare’s TFAP program but that the town currently does not meet the program’s eligibility criteria. She described multiple local food-distribution efforts and said demand has increased: "We can't keep food on the shelves long enough," she said.

Asana described efforts to coordinate with regional providers, including the possibility of partnering with Natchaug Hospital (which currently receives TFAP deliveries and operates a limited appointment-based service). She noted differences in federal eligibility thresholds (referencing SNAP income cutoffs and TFAP thresholds) that create gaps in local access and urged the Commission to consider community events and fundraising tied to food-security outreach. Members discussed options including empty-bowls events and better use of town newsletters and department partnerships to increase reach.

Why it matters: The director framed food insecurity as a pressing local need, citing rising reliance on food pantries and seasonal limits on fresh produce. The Commission discussed using its outreach channels and event planning to raise awareness and coordinate distribution with human services and other town partners.