OTHER SERVICES
IHSP Nourishing Neighbors….a multi-faceted program consisting of:
COUPON PROGRAM - Helping people eat healthier is important to us. Recognizing many of our clients could benefit from making small shifts in their daily eating habits to improve their long term health; and realizing that most of our clients do not have the financial resources to purchase fresh-frozen vegetables and fruit, we provide dairy, juice and fresh/frozen fruit and vegetable coupons that can be used at either Putnam Supermarket or Putnam Walmart. Clients can also choose to participate in the Putnam Farmer’s Market Program at the Riverview Marketplace from June through September.
REDUCING FOOD WASTE - We are reducing food waste in America by participating in a Feeding America/Connecticut Food Bank Program which partners with local supermarkets. Stop n Shop, Price Chopper and Big Y are helping to reduce food waste by providing our clients and others with fresh fruits, vegetables and frozen meats. Donations are also received from Cumberland Farms and Big Lots.
PLANT-A-ROW/GROW-A-ROW - As part of our gardening program individuals who grow their own vegetables are encouraged to plant an extra row and donate them to the Daily Bread Food Pantry.
As an example of how easy it is to grow your own vegetables, the IHSP-Daily Bread Food Pantry plants their own garden each year using the vegetables that are raised for their clients.
Nutrition Education
Expanding our focus on healthy foods, IHSP has partnered with the Putnam Family Resource Center to introduce fruits and vegetables to the children who are part of the program. Recently, with grant funding from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, children were introduced to peppers with different shapes and colors. They had an opportunity to taste them in the classroom and were sent home with veggie coupons and dry ingredients to make Veggie Fritters. To grow their minds they also received a book on Seeds to read with their parents. Children will be planting pepper seeds in the classroom with the hopes of growing their own pepper at home. Additional Eat A Rainbow Nutrition Programs will be held throughout the year.
Day Kimball Hospital Hematology/Oncology Caitlyn’s Cupboard Partnership
When cancer invades your space, healthy eating and good nutrition is extremely important. With grant funding from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Interfaith Human Services of Putnam will be partnering with Caitlyn’s Cupboard to see that patients have healthy food to eat on a regular basis. We will be helping them procure healthy food and provide vegetable/dairy coupons for their patients. In return, their Nutritionist, Caitlyn Sward, will be providing the Daily Bread Food Pantry with recipes and nutrition information for our clients.
Summer Food Program
Offered through the Putnam Public Schools and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Summer Food Program offers free breakfast and lunch to any child, under the age of 18. Sites vary each year but generally meals are available at the Putnam Elementary and High Schools (breakfast and lunch) and the Putnam Public Library and the Community Room at Hampshire Heights (lunch only.) All meals are free. The program runs from the end of school through the month of August. Several sites offer free, family-fun programs. In order to provide for family time and table conversation, Interfaith Human Services of Putnam provides a grant so adult caregivers have the opportunity to eat with their children or grandchildren. Hundreds of adults have been able to participate in the program because of this funding support.
See below for information about the 2023 Summer Meals Program, including the menu and calendar of activities:
Thanksgiving Food Distribution
With the pandemic we have changed the way we are providing food for Thanksgiving. In the past we have provided a complete meal. We are now asking clients to do their own shopping. They will be provided a gift card to purchase their turkey at one of our local supermarkets and coupons to purchase other items for their meal. Clients who are receiving a delivery will be provided a complete Thanksgiving Food Basket.
Call 860-928-0169 [leave message] to make a reservation starting in October. If you are a Daily Bread client you can place your request during your food pick up appointment. We make every effort to serve everyone in need of a Thanksgiving meal.