East Haven Food Pantry receives grant that will enhance operations for over 340 local families
EAST HARTFORD, CT (January 19, 2024) — Since being established in 1985 by a dedicated group of volunteers at the Old Stone Church, the East Haven Food Pantry has grown to serve 340 families, totaling over 1,000 individuals, distributing a substantial 8,500 food items per month.
Those volunteers just received a major boost, thanks to a grant of $9,175 the Pantry received from the most recent round of American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s (AEFCU) Cash Back to the Community program.
Since 2020, AEFCU has donated one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income—the fees paid for credit and debit card transactions—to three nonprofit organizations each quarter through this program. To date, the program has generated more than $405,000 in donations to nonprofit organizations in the communities served by American Eagle.
“Supporting nonprofits like the East Haven Food Pantry is what makes our Cash Back to the Community program so impactful,” said Howard Brady, President & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “Cash Back to the Community is 100 percent community-nominated and chosen and we could not be more proud to support groups like the East Haven Food Pantry.”
“The generous donation from American Eagle holds immense significance for the East Haven Food Pantry,” said Christine Sanford, President of the East Haven Food Pantry. “American Eagle aligns seamlessly with our mission to uplift the local community. As an organization rooted in compassion and dignity, our primary goal is to enhance the livelihood of East Haven residents by providing supplemental food and holiday baskets. The donation acts as a catalyst for sustaining and enhancing our operations.”
Sanford said the funds received from American Eagle will be instrumental in furthering the pantry’s commitment to providing a three-day emergency food supply to East Haven residents in need. These resources will directly impact the well-being of our community, ensuring that individuals facing food insecurity receive the support they require.
The nomination period for the next quarterly round of Cash Back is now open until Feb. 11th! American Eagle members and the public can nominate worthy nonprofit organizations by visiting americaneagle.org/cashback.
Cash Back to the Community Check Presentation at East Haven Food Pantry in East Haven, CT. Left to Right: Andy Perrone, Treasurer, East Haven Food Pantry; Christine Sandford, President, East Haven Food Pantry; Richard Graziano, Dealer Relations Manager, American Eagle Financial Credit Union, Lucille Huelin, Vice President, East Haven Food Pantry; Andy Gambardella, pantry volunteer and AEFCU member who nominated the East Haven Food Pantry.
About American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU)
Established in 1935, American Eagle Financial Credit Union (AEFCU) is a full-service credit union offering checking and savings accounts, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, business accounts and more. American Eagle offers banking online, through its mobile app, or at one of its 14 branches located in Connecticut. AEFCU has more than 180,000 members, over $2.5 billion in assets, and offers banking services to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, and New Haven County in Connecticut, and Hampden County in Massachusetts. For more information about American Eagle Financial Credit Union, visit www.americaneagle.org.
