Our History
For over 40 years, the Joan C. Dauber Food Pantry at Saint Francis, formerly named Saint Francis Emergency Food Bank, has provided food assistance, nutritional counseling, and case management to families and individuals in the Hartford and Tolland Counties. Created in 1976, it was the first food pantry located in the hospital setting. Now, the Food Pantry is supported by grants and donations. Local merchants have eagerly joined in to participate in a diaper drive as well as household items. The program is solely operated through the efforts of volunteers and coordinated by Community Health and Well Being Department.
Our Work
Our program gives eligible individuals in the Greater Hartford community an opportunity to receive food.
FAQ's
Where does the food come from?
Food comes from many sources including donations (Trader Joes, BJ’s, Stop & Shop, etc.), Foodshare, Sardilli Produce & Dairy Co., and Freshpoints.
Are clients able to receive dairy?
Yes, The Joan C. Dauber Food Pantry at Saint Francis Hospital received a cooler to keep milk and dairy products cold and safe during distribution to individuals and families in need in the Greater Hartford region. The cooler comes to the food pantry as part of the Connecticut Dairy Farmer
to Food Pantry Cooler Grant Program and in coordination with the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board and New England Dairy. The pantry’s dairy products range from almond milk, yogurt, 1% milk, 2% milk, whole milk, cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and many more.
Our Programs
Thanksgiving Distribution
Existing clients of the food pantry receives a free turkey and side of fixings. All items are donated by Foodshare and individual donations for the Thanksgiving holiday. Each year we distribute 4,500 lbs. of meals and 900 turkeys/chickens.
Annual Coat Drive
Each year the food pantry hosts a coat drive to collect an assortment of new and gently used coats. The coats range in size for children and adults for individuals within the Greater Hartford community.
Diaper Distribution
The food pantry in collaboration with The Diaper Bank of Connecticut, Inc. serves families in the Greater Hartford community with children under 4 years old with diapers and adult incontinence products. Eligible families may receive free diapers each month. We serve over 200 individual families per month. The 3rd Saturday of every month clients can pick up diapers and food. The food pantry receives referrals from many community health agencies including WIC, community health centers, etc.
You can now book and manage appointments using our booking page.
If you would like to donate food, request food or donate your time please contact the Joan C. Dauber Food Pantry at Saint Francis at (860) 714-2845.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to the Joan C. Dauber Food Pantry at Saint Francis, please call Whitney Dionne at (860) 714-5174 or whitney.hubbsdionne@trinityhealthofne.org or click the Donate Now button below and choose "Joan C. Dauber Food Pantry" as the Area of Care.
Michelle Safo-Agyemen, MS
Manager, Community Health and Well Being at the Joan C. Dauber Food Pantry