CONNECTICUT, RHODE ISLAND— The Salvation Army is seeing a large increase of individuals and families seeking assistance at food pantries in both Connecticut and Rhode Island as unemployment continues to rise due to the COVID crisis.

Since March 30, The Salvation Army has supplied 4,346 food bags, 509 food boxes, and 561 meals to those in need in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Hubs have been set up in both states — Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Willimantic, and Waterbury in Connecticut, and Providence in Rhode Island — enabling efficient delivery of food boxes and needed supplies to Salvation Army locations throughout both states.

“We salute all our officers, staff, and volunteers who work diligently to insure food security for the many residents in Connecticut and Rhode Island, while serving on the front lines,” Major Gregory Hartshorn, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army’s Southern New England Division added.

The Salvation Army is anticipating a significant increase in emergency assistance for low-wage employees who have been temporarily laid off due to the coronavirus. Types of additional support will include utility and rent/mortgage assistance, along with food for families in need.

Our Emergency Disaster Services department is coordinating with state and local leads to determine gap feeding needs for vulnerable populations across the state. “We have been working to quickly distribute critical items like emergency food boxes that can be used to prepare 35 meals,” said Chris Farrand, Regional Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army, covering Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. “As the need grows every day, we are using all our assets and capacity to care for those struggling through this crisis.”

Large donations of food and supplies have come in from Midwest Foodbank, Foodshare, CT Food Bank, RI Food Bank, NOAA, Mohegan Sun, and R & R Corrugated Packaging Group. NBC 10, a Sinclair station is raising funds, and financial contributions from individual, private donors have helped fund the response.

“Constituents throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island have been incredibly generous during this most difficult time,” said Debbie Camner, Director of Advancement for The Salvation Army’s Southern New England Division. “We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from our Salvation Army community. And while we anticipate an unchartered increase in need in the coming months as we recover from this pandemic, we know we can continue to count on neighbors helping neighbors.”

Many residents are feeling anxious as they are confined to their homes and practicing physical distancing from friends and family. The Salvation Army has set up an Emotional & Spiritual Care Hotline for anyone that needs a listening ear. Anyone in the US can call 844-458-HOPE (4673) from 9 am to 9 pm EDT, seven days a week. Trained Salvation Army Officers and employees are available to talk, advise, and above all pray for individuals, families, and situations.

The Salvation Army is serving unprecedented numbers of people due to this outbreak, and encourages everyone to find ways to demonstrate care and compassion to their neighbor in these times of difficulty.

To donate:

For Connecticut: Text GIVECT to 71777

For Rhode Island: Text GIVERI to 71777

For more information visit ctri.SalvationArmy.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country.