TAKE ACTION 

Protect the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) 

Last fall, Congress approved $117M for EFSP in 2025, including $1.5M for Connecticut. EFSP provides essential support to organizations helping people facing hunger and homelessness. Yet the program has been inexplicably frozen and is now at risk of being eliminated entirely. 

Regional List of Food Pantries That Need Support

Below is the list of all 22 pantries that submitted information through the Share the Table Connecticut sign-up form. Donors can use the details below to understand exactly what each pantry needs and how to drop off donations.

Food Farmacy (Danbury)

SNAP Funding Updates 

Overnight, the U.S. Senate passed a measure to reopen the federal government and continue funding for SNAP. The House is expected to approve the same package this week, ensuring SNAP benefits are fully funded for December and the year ahead — welcome news for Connecticut families. 

With SNAP uncertainty and rising food costs, food insecurity is rising across Connecticut. 

All CT-residents enrolled in SNAP prior to November 1 should have received their November SNAP funds.  

Despite this, there is long-term uncertainty about December benefits and beyond.   

Welcome to this month’s Quick Minute! At United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut, we’re helping children and families build healthy habits that last a lifetime.


Connecticut residents who rely on SNAP are facing two major changes beginning November 1. Both are rooted in federal policy decisions and will have real impacts on families throughout our state. The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) continues to share the most up-to-date information about how these changes will roll out. This post summarizes those facts and helps explain what people should expect.

SNAP Benefits at Risk if Federal Shutdown Continues 
  

360,000 residents who rely on federal SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries should plan for no new benefits beginning November 1 if the federal government shutdown continues.

According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) (as of 10/27/25): 

Award from The Courage Project given to 20 organizations and individuals across the nation for demonstrating  the power of courage in their communities

Public award nomination form is open to the public to honor individuals or organizations acting with courage and compassion to help their communities

Connecting voices. Creating change.

United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s 2025 Impact Breakfast  

Thank you for joining us at the Creating Real Change Together: 2025 Impact Breakfast! Your presence and partnership helped us take another step toward stronger, more resilient communities across Coastal and Western Connecticut.