BRIDGEPORT—This year, Catholic Charities of Fairfield County will be running two faith in action campaigns concurrently during Lent—Catholic Charities annual Loaves and Fishes Campaign together with Catholic Relief Services’ Rice Bowl program.
The Catholic Charities feeding programs provide food for the needy and most vulnerable members of the local community while the CRS Rice Bowl program supports members of the global family who are impoverished and endangered in the developing world.
“Due to COVID-19 we are doing things a bit differently this year,” said Mike Donoghue, director of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County.
“Since the pandemic began, food insecurity is the biggest need amongst some of our most vulnerable families,” Donoghue said, explaining that their main programs, pre-pandemic were doing 4-500 meals a day; now they do 1,000-1,2000 meals a day. “Demand has definitely increased,” said Donoghue.
Donoghue explained that this year’s Loaves and Fishes Campaign will be foregoing the use of envelopes, to cut down on paper waste and make giving more stream-lined.
Instead, flyers will be available in parishes with information on how to give including online and a mailing address.
Catholic Charities Feeding Programs supported by Loaves and Fishes
New Covenant Center, Stamford
- Open 365 days per year serving 3 meals each day
- Soup Kitchen serves 600,000 meals per year to 3600+ men, women, and children
- Food pantry serves 1000 families per month
- 800+ volunteers help cook, stock shelves and serve clients
- Also provides clients with Day Shelter, Job Skills and Life Coaching, Immigration Counseling, Showers, Barber Services, and a Computer Lab
Thomas Merton Center, Bridgeport
- Provides breakfast, lunch, and day shelter 6 days per week
- Soup Kitchen serves 100,000+ meals a year to 4000 individuals
- Eat Smart Food Pantry provides 600 families with 10 days of groceries per month
- 600+ volunteers help cook, stock shelves and serve clients
- Other Services provided – Thrift store, Shower program, Cosmetic day, Computer resources, medical services and referrals, homeless outreach team, life skills
Morning Glory Breakfast Program, Bridgeport
- Serves hot breakfast 365 days per year to 100+ individuals daily
- Served 45,000 hot and nutritious meals in 2019
- 400+ volunteers help cook and serve clients
- Non-food pantry provides household staples to over 1000 families
Parish Leaders may order CRS Rice Bowl materials free of charge at www.crsricebowl.org. Please contact Father Michael Boccaccio at: frboccaccio@diobpt.org for further information or questions on the Rice Bowl program.
