The Branford Community Foundation, the leader in supporting a variety of local philanthropic needs, programs and services for nearly 35 years, recently distributed $5,000 in seed funding to support the Feed Branford Kids program of the Branford Food Pantry.

Feed Branford Kids discreetly provides Branford Public School students who benefit from a free and/or reduced breakfast and lunch program with nutritious food on weekends and holidays. The new initiative, a collaboration between Branford Public Schools and Branford Food Pantry, distributes backpacks filled with non-perishable, healthy and kid-friendly foods for consumption during non-school hours. 24% of Branford students are eligible for free and reduced meals while at school. Children participating in Feed Branford Kids do not need to meet any qualifying requirements.

The Branford Food Pantry, a 100% volunteer not-for-profit organization, provides groceries for Branford families in need: nearly 500 people per month reflecting more than 247 families per year. People receiving food assistance from the Branford Food Pantry must be Branford residents and may qualify for assistance by the Branford Counseling Center or they may be referred by the VNA, social workers, case workers and/or clergy. Pantry visitors typically use it as part of their long-term strategies to supplement monthly food and grocery shortfalls.

The Branford Community Foundation benefits all residents by pooling contributions from like-minded citizens, managing these funds with professional guidance, and then carefully granting a portion of the income generated to local, nonprofit organizations. As a multipurpose permanent local charitable endowment, the Branford Community Foundation helps to build a healthy and successful community by supporting everything from basic needs and health services, to local environmental issues and education, to the arts and other programs.