How to Help Families & Individuals as They Recover from the Shutdown this Holiday Season

While we wait for the federal government to reinstate SNAP, we continue to serve our neighbors in need in far bigger ways right now than we had planned for at this time of year. We are grateful for Governor Lamont and the Connecticut legislators for working hard to reinstate SNAP for Connecticut residents in the month of November, making sure our state’s residents can put food on the table for their families. And while this emergency allocation is a response to the potential loss of monthly federal SNAP funding going forward, it’s a situation that highlights a significant food insecurity crisis and is not sustainable over an extended period.

At Operation Hope of Fairfield, we’ve spent more than 40 years serving our community, providing essential food and care to those who need it most. As the demand for our support rises, the outpouring of generosity from our community is more vital than ever. Together, we ensure individuals and families have the food, care and resources they need to live in dignity.

We know many in this community are looking for ways to help Operation Hope meet the increased demand, and for that, we are deeply grateful. We cannot support our neighbors in need without your help. Here are some ways to help:

• Support us with a financial contribution here; we can stretch the buying power of your dollar 3-5x further than the public.
• Buy donations on Amazon here and send food, toiletries, personal care items and cleaning supplies directly to us. One less errand, there’s no need to make a run to the store!
• Purchase donations and drop off directly to our Pantry. Shop from our most-needed items list here. Drive up and drop off at our side door at 636 Old Post Road, Monday through Friday, 9am-4:30pm (excluding major holidays), please do not leave donations when the office is closed.
• Prepare extra food for our Community Kitchen, sign up here. Homemade or store bought are both welcome!
• Prepare food for the December 19 Holiday Meal at the Community Kitchen, sign up here. Homemade or store bought are both welcome!
• Prepare food for the December 24 Holiday Meal at the Community Kitchen, sign up here. Homemade or store bought are both welcome!
• Buy ShopRite and Stop & Shop gift cards, any amount is appreciated. Drop off with our receptionist at 636 Old Post Road, Monday through Friday, 9am-4:30pm.
• Stay connected with the Feeding Fairfield website here. This community hub helps connect those who want to help with those who need help. Please note this website is a grassroots effort and is not managed or run by Operation Hope.
• Attend an event or activity that supports Operation Hope! See if there’s something that inspires you to act and give! We are inspired daily by the ways so many individuals, groups and companies are offering support of our neighbors.

We cannot express how profoundly grateful we are to you, our community, for extending your hand and opening your wallet to help our most vulnerable residents. It is a privilege to serve our neighbors in need alongside you.