Local Pantries Offer Support for Residents in Need
With food prices having risen more than 23% since 2020, many in the U.S are struggling to afford meals.
And while the majority of Fairfield County residents are able to make ends meet, many silently struggle.
More than 10% of Fairfield County residents are food insecure, equating to roughly 95,000 people, according to the Feeding America organization.
Governmental programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provide some relief, while local food banks offer community-based support.
Joseph Drew, a 2025 Warde Highschool graduate, stands beside the Blessings Box Food Pantry he created on June 5, 2025 in Fairfield, CT. (Photo/Erika Avellino)
After a year since its establishment at 148 Beach Road in Fairfield, the Blessings Box food pantry is a small, yet impactful initiative supporting those facing food insecurity.
It was created by Joseph Drew of Fairfield, who, after connecting with a homeless individual who was reluctant to accept food, was motivated to create a pantry that was both discreet and accessible.
“Many people don’t like to ask for help and it’s understandable.”
Beginning construction during his junior year of high school as part of an Eagle Scout project, Drew meticulously crafted the structure to be both durable and functional.
“I really do think that this is going to last 40 or more years. That’s my hope.”
Drew worked with his family and fellow scout members to design and construct the box.
“The carpenter that was leading me even said, ‘I feel like you're overdoing this,’” Drew said. “But in my mind, I wanted this to be as perfect and as pristine as it can be.”
The red pantry features a sign that reads: Take what you need, leave what you can. People are welcome to donate nonperishable food, such as canned goods, pasta, and rice.
Since its completion in June 2024, Drew said the project has helped numerous individuals get the food that they need.
He recounted that one woman came to the First Church Congregational looking for support when Operation Hope was closed.
“She didn’t know how to get food for the night, she didn’t know how to feed her family. And so someone directed her to my free pantry.”
Drew, a 2025 graduate of Fairfield Warde, and incoming student at the University of Connecticut, has continued giving back to the community through environmental cleanups. He hopes other free pantries will provide the same support in other areas.
Members of the church and local residents now help oversee the pantry’s operations. Nikki Kenney, a church volunteer and Troop 82 parent, said the box is used and donated to nearly every day.
“In the same way it’s easy to get to, it’s easy for people to donate.”
While the Blessings Box fills a much-needed gap in food insecurity, other local organizations also supply food, toiletries and other essentials.
Operation Hope’s food pantry, located at 636 Old Post Road, supports residents in surrounding towns and is run entirely by volunteers.
Their community kitchen at 50 Nichols St. serves lunch and dinner 52 weeks a year, and runs on donations.
Those that are interested in donating can stop by their community kitchen Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or visit the Blessings Box, located next to the First Church Congregational in Fairfield.