NHPD and YPD support local food pantry

During the pandemic, many non-profit organizations have had to adjust. For Women of the Village, a local food pantry, it’s only gotten busier. They work out of the New Haven Police Department’s substation located at 26 Charles Street. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now only open on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Anyone in need can come by during that time to pick up a pre-made bag of groceries. The monthly food pantry has been, for now, put on hold, but the one-hour weekly offering assists many families.

Women of the Village works with several local grocery stores who provide non-perishable items, loaves of bread, fresh fruits, baked goods, and sometimes meats. Each week, what they offer varies depending upon donations. “We don’t turn anyone away; all are welcome. During the past six months, I’ve noticed that people are coming from much farther away—like Meriden and Southington. Where before, it was just people living in the New Haven area. The pandemic changed that,” said Andrea Mastracchio. Andrea has helped run Women of the Village since 2018.  

Yale Police Officer Martha Cedeno-Ross volunteers at the pantry and recently helped hand out food bags. While the pantry has enough volunteers, they do need food and monetary donations. They are currently gearing up for the Thanksgiving holiday and are looking for items to make up dinner food bags that will be distributed to needy families in the community.

Lastly, they’d like to create a social media presence and hope someone will volunteer to help them set up a website or Facebook page.  

Anyone wanting to donate non-perishable items, make a monetary donation or help them with a new website, please contact Andrea Mastracchio at 203 675-9437. She will arrange a time to have items dropped off or coordinate a volunteer to come and pick them up.