As part of #HungerActionMonth, we are shining the spotlight on “Phil the Truck,” the affectionate name for our mobile food pantry that has been providing services to Stamford residents since hitting the streets in April of 2018. The mobile pantry was born from a collaborative effort of volunteers, staff, Board members, and donors, tasked with responding to the increased needs in Stamford.
The result is an innovative approach that brings P2P’s food and casework services directly into the heart of the city’s low-income neighborhoods. In addition to a fully-outfitted food pantry, an on-board casework office allows a caseworker to meet with clients to assess their immediate needs and help them to plan for the future by providing financial assistance for rent, utilities, and referral to other services as needed.
With 57% of the school-aged population eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2018, the need in Stamford is very real. The food assistance provided by the truck is a critical resource for hardworking individuals and families who are facing food insecurity.
Phil the Truck travels from our Stamford warehouse to non-profit host sites throughout the city four days a week. The mobile pantry allows us to be nimble and responsive with our services. Earlier this year, we added a fifth location and partner site to increase our impact across the city.
Close to 160 families visit the truck every week, where they receive seven days worth of food for every member of the household. The truck was designed and built in a way that supports our commitment to providing a full complement of healthy foods, including fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy.
In case you missed it, you can watch this recent News4NY story to hear how this access to fresh food brings peace of mind to families throughout Stamford.
