A corrections officer from Trumbull Correctional Institute contacted Veterans’ Outreach a few weeks ago.  He wanted to find out if we would accept fresh produce grown at the institute.  He leads a group of inmates that wanted to grow a garden this year.  Their 20’ x 20’ garden has produced a huge quantity and variety of produce.  

The Freedom Food Pantry distributes about 100 boxes of food each week to veterans living with food insecurity, so the donation was eagerly accepted.  The veteran recipients have been so grateful for the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, Swiss chard, and more.  Our friend Chris from the Corrections Institute has delivered 2 loads so far, each one over 400 lbs.  

We learned that some of the inmates tending to the garden are veterans.  In correspondence with Chris, he said “The donations from the garden makes these guys feel like they are giving back. I let them know that they are. I always try and give them words of encouragement and remind them that what they are doing is helping people that need it.”

We thank them all, and hope they know that their hard work is benefitting many veterans and their families.

Visiting Veterans’ Outreach has become part of the weekly routine for many veterans.  They stop by to browse through Heroes’ Closet which consists of donated clothing, footwear, coats, linens, household goods, and some furniture.  They stop by to get help with food for the week from the Freedom Food Pantry.  

 Veterans have been known to say, “This is my social time”, “This is a safe place”, I always leave with my dignity”, “I look forward all week to coming by” and other similar statements.  

Yesterday, a veteran on a bicycle came by for help with food.  We are grateful to be able to do this work and provide this safety net for at-risk veterans.

May God bless all veterans.