Services provided:

• MANNA Community Pantry – Provides Hartford residents with nutritious groceries, fresh produce, and household essentials in a welcoming, dignity-centered environment.
• Backpack Nutrition Program – Supplies Hartford school children with weekend meals to help reduce childhood hunger and support learning readiness.
• Gather55 Restaurant – A participation-based community restaurant where guests can pay $3, volunteer 30 minutes, or use a voucher to enjoy nutritious meals and meaningful connection in an inclusive setting.
• Homelessness & Housing Support – Offers outreach, housing assistance, case management, and supportive services that connect individuals to shelter, healthcare, mental health resources, and permanent housing opportunities.
• Health & Wellness Partnerships – Collaborates with Hartford HealthCare, Charter Oak Health Center, and the University of Saint Joseph School of Nursing to provide on-site physical and mental health services.
• Volunteer & Community Engagement – Mobilizes volunteers across Greater Hartford to prepare meals, stock pantry shelves, mentor guests, and support daily operations while strengthening community connection.

Recent Challenges and Responsive Actions Taken:

Hands On Hartford has taken a proactive approach in response to both SNAP benefit reductions and the loss of USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) funding. Anticipating increased food insecurity across Hartford, the organization acted early to strengthen pantry operations, expand community partnerships, and identify additional funding and food resources to support vulnerable residents.

Recognizing that cuts to SNAP benefits would place greater pressure on local food providers, Hands On Hartford increased outreach efforts and prepared for higher demand at the MANNA Community Pantry, which continues serving nearly 1,500 households monthly. At the same time, the organization responded quickly to the cancellation of the LFPA program, which had supported the purchase of fresh food from Connecticut farmers for local pantries.

To address these challenges, Hands On Hartford:

• Expanded food pantry operations and emergency food distribution efforts.
• Increased community donation drives and pursued alternative funding sources.
• Strengthened partnerships with local farms, food suppliers, and community organizations.
• Advocated alongside Connecticut Foodshare and state leaders about the impact of SNAP and federal food assistance cuts.
• Focused on maintaining access to fresh, nutritious food despite the loss of LFPA funding.
• Continued addressing the broader connection between food insecurity, housing instability, and economic hardship.

Through early planning, advocacy, and community collaboration, Hands On Hartford has worked to minimize disruptions in food access and ensure continued support for Hartford residents facing financial hardship.

How has TANGO impacted your Organization:

Several members of our leadership team have benefitted from TANGO’s trainings and other related services. This has really helped us keep up to date with the many changes in the marketplace.