Food Assistance Programs
Town Hall Food Pantry
We do not accept non perishable donations. Since 2020 Social services has distributed over $600k in grocery gift cards to Ridgefield residents. Over the past years we found that our consumers very much appreciate the ability to choose their own healthy and fresh food options using grocery gift cards. Offering gift cards also has reduced food waste and enables them to make healthy choices that are right for their families and in their neighborhood store.. Please help continue to support the Ridgefield Food Pantry by donating online or mailing a donation. As always we are very thankful for Ridgefield's generosity.
Those who experience food insecurity should contact Ridgefield Social Services to find out how to get help accessing food assistance.
Hours: Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Please reach out to Karen Gaudian 24 hours before your planned pickup.
Hours: Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Please reach out to Karen Gaudian 24 hours before your planned pickup.
Donations: Community members are welcome to donate grocery gift cards or make donations via check or online. Ridgefield Social Services receives a 5% discount for purchasing bulk grocery cards. Anyone wishing to donate can mail a check or gift cards to Town of Ridgefield, "Emergency Fund" in the memo, or donate online here.
We are not taking physical donations at Town Hall at this time; however we will accept checks, restaurant gift cards or grocery gift cards. Gift cards can be dropped off at Town Hall during business hours. Anyone needing access to food should contact Karen Gaudian at [email protected] or 203-431-2754.
Ridgefield Public School Lunch Program
Anyone who has children in the Ridgefield Public Schools can check eligibility for the free and reduced lunch program, please follow instructions provided by the Ridgefield Public Schools.
CT Foodshare ~ Mobile Food Pantry
When: Every other Friday, 9:45 a.m. -10:45 a.m. Please check the CT Foodshare website for up to date information.
Where: St Andrew's Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Road, Ridgefield
How: Please park at St. Andrew's Church and remain in your car until your number is called.
- Each car will receive a number as they enter.
- Please stay in your cars until your number is called. There is no need to form a line. Volunteers will call numbers in groups of 10. i.e. 20's, 30's, 40's, etc
- Consumers will walk around the truck and select items they want and turn away items they don't want.
- Please bring your own bags or cart.
- The distribution will run for 1 hour.
- Please check the CT Foodshare website for up to date scheduling and if there is adverse weather.
- This distribution is open to anyone.
Alternate food distributions are also available in Danbury. Please check the mobile pantry schedule at the link above.
Ruby's Pantries
Ruby's Pantries are small outdoor cupboards with non perishable items located at:
- Jesse Lee Church - 207 Main Street
- Boys & Girls Club - 41 Governor Street
- Nature's Temptations - 32 Prospect Street
- Wooster Hollow Cafe - 659 Danbury Road
- Ridgebury Congregational Church - 605 Ridgebury Road
SNAP
You may be eligible for CT State Nutrition Assistance Program called SNAP. You can find eligibility requirements and information on applications here.
Pets
If you are in need of assistance with feeding your beloved dog or cat, please stop by the ROAR shelter at 45 South Steet during the following hours:
- Monday - Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 3: p.m.
- Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Sunday from 12:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.