Feed the Hungry

48.8 million Americans, including 16.2 million children,
live in households that are “food insecure” – in other words, they have limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food. Even here in Fairfield County, one of the wealthiest counties in America, there are over 100,000 people – including 38,000 children —who are classified as food insecure.

Saugatuck Church is committed to helping to change those statistics.

Food Drives for Local Food Pantries

Our ongoing food drives support the food pantries at both Person-to-Person’s Norwalk location and at the Gillespie Center here in Westport. Donations may be brought to the church office. In addition, we collect food during worship on the first Sunday of each month. Currently, we are requesting:

Low-sodium, no-salt canned vegetables
Low sugar, low sodium pasta sauce
Canned fruit packed in 100% juice or water
Unsweetened applesauce
Unsweetened dried fruit (such as raisins)
Shelf-stable milk, such as Parmalat
Whole wheat pasta
Brown rice
Low-sodium canned or dried beans
Canned tuna/ canned salmon
100% fruit spread
Natural peanut butter
Salsa
Low-sodium or no-salt canned soups
Low-sugar cereals, such as Cheerios, Chex, or Shredded Wheat
Whole wheat tortillas
Taco shells
Unsweetened oatmeal
Dried herbs and spices
Honey
Olive oil
Canned tomato products (low sodium diced/pureed or crushed)
Non-creamy salad dressings/vinegars
Low sodium chicken/vegetable broth or stock
Canned unsalted nuts

Please avoid:

High sugar foods and drinks
Food past the expiration date
Foods needing refrigeration

We also accept monetary donations in lieu of food items. Please make checks payable to “Saugatuck Congregational Church” with  “food pantry” in the memo line.

Community Kitchen at Gillespie Center

Saugatuck is responsible for providing dinner for 35 people at the Gillespie Center on the 4^th Thursday of every month, and the 5^th Thursday, if there is one. Volunteer to help.

Community Plates

As home base and the launch market for Community Plates, more than 80% of the 1.5 million pounds of food rescued since their inception has been rescued right here in Fairfield County. The impact that they have made in our community is tremendous. Learn more about being a “Food Runner” – picking up leftovers at one of their partner restaurants or stores, and delivering them to a designated shelter or soup kitchen.

Fundraiser Walks

Every year Saugatuck Church participates in either the Greater Bridgeport Walk Against Hunger or the CROP Walk. Most recently, members of “Team Saugatuck” walked in beautiful Seaside Park as raised funds for The Connecticut Food Bank. They provide fresh groceries, fresh produce and hot meals to hungry children, families, seniors and individuals in Connecticut.