In Danbury, more than half of households are struggling to make ends meet, and for many families, that struggle includes putting enough healthy food on the table. During Hunger Action Month, Daily Bread Food Pantry is calling attention to that reality and reminding the community that everyone can play a part in helping a neighbor in need.

About 16 percent of Danbury residents are food-insecure, according to DataHaven, while more than 54 percent of Danbury households struggle to make ends meet, compared with 39 percent statewide, according to United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Rising living costs, low wages, and cuts to benefit programs have placed even greater pressure on local households.

Daily Bread, the largest food pantry in northern Fairfield County, is helping bridge that gap. Open six days a week and run by volunteers, the pantry offers a dignified, supermarket-like shopping experience focused on fresh, nutritious food that is often out of reach for families with limited budgets.

During Hunger Action Month, digital signs throughout the pantry highlight the national campaign, while volunteers wear orange ribbons, the movement’s official color. But the work continues year-round.

Through a Local Food Purchase Assistance Program grant from the state of Connecticut, Daily Bread is purchasing directly from Connecticut producers, supplementing fruits and vegetables donated or purchased through food bank partners and area wholesalers. In recent months, shoppers have received freshly harvested apples, green beans, eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and lettuce from nearly a dozen farms in Fairfield and New Haven counties. The initiative supports local farmers while bringing fresh food to families in need.

Daily Bread has also begun buying culturally appropriate foods in bulk, providing nutritious choices while respecting families’ food preferences and heritage. The pantry also purchases staples such as milk, eggs, and meat.

"The pantry is always working to fine-tune its operation to better meet the needs of the community," Daily Bread President Peter Kent said.

Founded in 1984, Daily Bread opened its grocery-store-style facility in February 2025. Today, more than 900 households experiencing food and nutrition insecurity shop there for free each week. More than 700 volunteers, many from the community the pantry serves, support its six-day operation. Evening and Saturday hours allow working families to shop without missing work.

The pantry also partners with dozens of area social service organizations to connect guests with additional services and is working to strengthen relationships with local businesses and organizations.

Hunger Action Month is a call to notice what is happening in our own community and consider how each of us can help. A donation, time spent volunteering or support from a local business can help Daily Bread continue putting nutritious food within reach of neighbors who need it. When a community comes together, no family facing a difficult season has to face it alone.

To donate, volunteer or learn more about Daily Bread Food Pantry, visit www.dailybreadfoodpantry.com or email contact@dailybreadfoodpantry.com. The pantry is located at 125 Park Ave. in Danbury, near Danbury Fair Mall.