NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR INC

Neighbor to Neighbor alleviates the negative effects of poverty by ensuring our neighbors do not have to make difficult choices between having food or paying for rent, medical care, or school supplies. Nutrition is the cornerstone of our food pantry, which provides low-income people access to fresh, healthy food. Food security promotes not only good health, but social stability, improved educational outcomes, and long-term community improvements. The provision of basic living essentials, such as clothing and housewares, assists those struggling to make ends meet free up scarce resources for other necessities.

Neighbor to Neighbor's food pantry was designed by a nutritionist to ensure our families receive quality food to make healthy meals. We offered the area's first "client choice" food pantry, in which clients choose from a healthy array of fresh produce, milk, meat, bread, and dry goods such as peanut butter, jelly, tuna, cereal, pasta, rice, beans, and soup. This "gold standard" of food pantry operation is the most dignified way to provide food assistance, respects the cultural and religious role food plays, and accommodates dietary restrictions such as those with diabetes. Similarly, the clothing room makes use of the client choice method, permitting members of a family to select clothing that accommodates seasonal changes. Trained volunteers provide customer service designed to promote dignity and respect.

Neighbor to Neighbor, formed in 1975, is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization. Over 250 volunteers provide 15,000 hours of service each year, allowing us to serve thousands each week on a relatively small budget. Sources of support include individuals, foundations, houses of worship, corporations, and the United Way. Approximately $1.2M worth of food, clothing and household items are donated each year. We collaborate extensively in the community for client referrals, food and clothing drives, and volunteer opportunities. Nine staff members provide professional service and volunteer oversight. A Board of Directors ensures the organization is properly funded and provides governance oversight.

Neighbor to Neighbor operated out of basement space provided by Christ Church Greenwich since 1975. It began as a clothing distribution program and added the food pantry in the mid-1980s. In 2005, Neighbor to Neighbor converted to the area's first client choice pantry. In 2001, approximately 270 families received food assistance. Today, we serve over 550 families. Neighbor to Neighbor recently completed a capital campaign to raise funds to build a new facility for its operations. The new building will be fully ADA-compliant with adequate storage and program space. It will also help us achieve our mission of providing our services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.