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At Ekklesia Global Worship Assembly, we believe loving God looks like loving people well. In this season, many families are facing real pressure at the grocery store and the kitchen table. We value meeting the needs of our community and being a steady support. This page gathers trusted local resources for hot meals, weekly groceries, and benefits help in Greater New Haven and Greater Waterbury. Hours can change; please call or check links before visiting.

 

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” (Matthew 25:35)

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SNAP Benefits Update

 

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

• Any SNAP benefits already on EBT cards can still be used after November 1. 

• No new benefits will be added until the federal government reopens, so households will not receive their regular November allocation. 

• DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications; approved October benefits will be loaded once the shutdown ends. 

• Need help applying for SNAP? Call End Hunger CT! at 866-974-SNAP (7627). To search by your exact address, visit 211ct.org or Connecticut Foodshare’s pantry locator.

• For the latest information about SNAP benefits and changes, please see DSS social media and website. 

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Hot Meals (no or low barriers)

 

Greater New Haven

• Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) – “Dinner on the Green”

  • Hot dinner served most evenings on/near the New Haven Green; see daily location + times online. Also operates a Drop-In & Resource Center and Olive Street Pantry. All are welcome.

  • Info: (203) 624-6426 • Locations & times: deskct.org (Programs & Services). Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK)

• Community Soup Kitchen (CSK)

  • Hot meals several days each week; current serving site is 84 Broadway, New Haven. Schedules occasionally shift. Check announcements.

  • Info: csknewhaven.org 

 

Greater Waterbury

• Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries (GWIM) — Soup Kitchen
  Address: 770 E Main St., Waterbury, CT 06702. 
  Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and bag lunch Saturday 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 
  What they offer: Full hot meals for those in need.

• St. Vincent de Paul Mission — Soup Kitchen & Pantry
  Address: 327 Baldwin St., Waterbury, CT 06706. 
  Hours: Breakfast ~10:00-11:00 a.m., Lunch 11:00-12:30 p.m., 7 days a week. 
  Additional: Also distributes groceries (for card-holders) in their pantry

 

Weekly Groceries / Client-Choice Pantries (walk-in or by appt.)

 

Greater New haven

• Loaves & Fishes at St. Paul & St. James (57 Olive St., New Haven)
  Food & clothing; typical Saturday distribution, with updates posted online/social.
  Info: loavesandfishesnh.com • (203) 562-2691

• Christian Community Action (CCA) – Client-Choice Food Pantry (Hill neighborhood)
  By appointment, Mon–Wed; monthly pantry for families, seniors, people with disabilities. Also seasonal energy assistance.
  Info & appointments: ccahelping.org (Programs). ccahelping.org

• Bethel AME Church Pantry (255 Goffe St.) and other church pantries

  • Immanuel Baptist (1324 Chapel St.), Iglesia Cristiana Fe (141 Sylvan Ave.), Macedonia COGIC (151 Newhall St.), and more.

 

Greater Waterbury

• Bread of Life Food Pantry
  Address: 1333 Thomaston Ave., Waterbury, CT 06704. 
  What they offer: Non-perishable food for people in the Greater Waterbury area. 

• Other food pantries (various church-based)
  For example:

  • Church of God Food Pantry, 122 E Farm St., Waterbury – opens Mondays 10:30 a.m.–12:00 noon for Waterbury & Bristol residents. 

  • Hopeville Church Food Pantry, 160 Piedmont St., Waterbury – by appointment only, 3rd Wednesday monthly. 

  • There are many more listed in the Waterbury “Food Pantries – City of Waterbury” PDF.

 

Mobile Pantries

 

Greater New Haven

• Connecticut Foodshare – Pantry Locator & Mobile Schedule
  Find pantry partners statewide and local mobile pantry stops (some in West Haven, Hamden, etc.).
  Info: ctfoodshare.org | “Find Food”. 

• United Way 2-1-1 Food Search
  Live directory of soup kitchens and pantries by town; updated frequently.
  Info: 211ct.org (Food category).

 

Greater Waterbury

City Mission of Waterbury — “STOREHOUSE” Free Food Program
Description: A 100% mobile free-food distribution program. Weekly free groceries around Greater Waterbury; no strings attached. THE CITY 
Note: Does not serve hot meals, but is helpful for struggling households facing food instability.

 

CT Energy Assistance Programs

 

Your family’s health is important. Don’t let high energy costs stand in the way. Get help paying your winter heating bills by submitting an application for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) | APPLY NOW

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Pastoral Care

 

Need support beyond food?
Our pastoral care team is here to listen, pray, and connect you to help.

• Email: info@ekklesiaglobal.us

• All conversations are confidential.

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