They sought to bring home healthy food to celebrate Thanksgiving with their loved ones.

The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the energy of over 50 volunteers working in unison to prepare bags filled with food and compassion. Patti Bisbano, a Daily Bread volunteer, emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused on what truly matters. She noted that this has been the organization's mission since its founding in 1984.

“I feel so blessed for my life despite its hardships, and it gives me a greater sense of pleasure and gratitude to help these people. When you look at them, they are just beautiful souls,” said Bisbano.

Daily Bread Food Pantry distributes food free of charge from its location in downtown Danbury to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. The guests, as the staff refers to them, face various challenges such as illness, disability, job loss, low wages, or personal crises that make it difficult to provide for themselves and their families.

Every week, Daily Bread, the largest pantry in the area, distributes about 30,000 pounds of healthy food to approximately 2,500 to 3,000 hungry guests. The annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution, however, set a record for the 40-year-old agency. Each family received around 50 pounds of food, which included a frozen turkey or chicken, fresh apples, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, jalapeño peppers, cabbages, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, farm-fresh pies, and other baked goods. Children who visited received a small stuffed turkey toy and a book, courtesy of Read to Grow. Santa and one of his elves were also on hand to welcome guests.

A "Super Pantry" for Danbury

When Daily Bread first opened its doors, it served just a few people using a single shopping cart. Today, it distributes about 30,000 pounds of healthy food to between 2,500 and 3,000 guests, who each receive approximately 45 pounds of food during their visits. Although availability may vary, they typically offer a wide range of produce, dairy products, meat, non-perishable staples, and bread.

In early 2025, the agency will open its "super pantry" at 125 Park Avenue. This expanded facility will provide guests with a respectful, independent shopping experience, a wider selection of nutritious food, extended hours, and access to a range of additional services.

“Our new super pantry will be bright, welcoming, and spacious. It will be ten times larger than our current facility, offering a great experience for our guests, and be an excellent place for volunteering. We are currently scheduled to open in January 2025,” explained Debbie Landzberg, past president of Daily Bread.

Daily Bread Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and a member of the Danbury Food Collaborative, a consortium of pantries, soup kitchens, and nonprofits that work together to reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition in the community. The pantry relies on the generosity of the community to sustain its operations.

To learn more about the pantry or to donate, please visit https://www.dailybreadfoodpantry.com.