HArvest house 2021

Around this time of year, I would usually be encouraging everyone to collect non-perishable food items to donate for the building of the annual Valley United Way’s Harvest House. Due to the Coronavirus, this tangible house of food will not “physically” be built this year. Valley United Way has instead transformed it into a virtual event where you can donate food online for our Valley food pantries! 

Throughout the month of October, we are encouraging you to help by donating to area food pantries as they serve those who struggle with food insecurity.  As you may know, issues of food insecurity already exist in the Valley but have been exacerbated by job loss and the economic impacts of Covid-19.  St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Shoppe & Food Pantry in Derby shows this by reporting a nearly 40% increase in the number of families/households needing food since the onset of the pandemic.  

Valley United Way’s goal is to raise $40,000 for the local pantries to ensure their shelves are full and families are fed, especially during the upcoming holidays.  Funds raised will be distributed equally among the five main Valley food pantries: St. Vincent De Paul in Derby, Salvation Army in Ansonia, Spooner House in Shelton, Seymour-Oxford Food Bank, and the Kathleen Samela Memorial Food Bank at Christ Episcopal Church in Ansonia. 

We urge you to please help the Valley United Way make an impact in the Valley community by donating “virtual groceries” from now until November 18th. Thank you.

What is Harvest House?