Tunxis Foundation voted to sponsor The Pantry@Tunxis, which allows the Pantry to have 501(c)(3)status, and seek additional financial support in grants. The Pantry@Tunxis was established in 2016 to address student food insecurity on campus. Since then, more than 75 individuals have signed up to become members of the Pantry, with visits surpassing 300 in 21 months.

The Pantry serves as a resource for students and employees, pantry “members” can take up to 10 food and/or personal hygiene items twice a month. The goal of the Pantry is a short-term resource, with members receiving support and information to address their long-term needs.

The Pantry also provides dozens of food and gift cards for holiday meals several times a year for members and their immediate family members, holiday gifts to the children of members, and ‘Grab N Go’ healthy snacks for students who need food while on campus.

Due to the increase in need for the Pantry, it is now staffed by volunteer students and employees 10 hours a week. Donations come from all corners of the campus, as well as donations and food drives from local businesses such as Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, John J. Driscoll United Labor Agency, Jackson Labs, Kelser Corporation, Highland Park, and more. Visit The Pantry website: tunxis.edu/pantry.