Darien’s Nonprofit Enhances Food Pantry and Playground Safety
Person to Person, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need, is planning to expand its food pantry in Darien. The addition is a two-story structure aimed at improving both storage capacity and safety.
This new space will make it easier for volunteers to sort and store food donations. Currently, large deliveries from Connecticut Foodshare land in the parking lot due to space issues. With the expansion, volunteers won’t have to deal with the cold or rain while bringing food inside. Nancy Coughlin, the executive director, explains that this change will streamline operations and improve the volunteer experience.
“Safety and accessibility are our top priorities,” says Ryan Fleenor, rector at St. Luke’s Church, where Person to Person operates. He emphasizes that the new layout will also enhance traffic flow, making the parking lot safer as it connects to a busy road.
In addition to the pantry upgrade, there are plans to relocate the playground for St. Luke’s Parish school. Currently, around 150 young children have to cross a busy driveway to reach the playground. The new location will allow them to access it safely from a quieter area, reducing potential hazards.
Other improvements under consideration include minor tweaks to the parking lot, which would increase spots from 100 to 102 and enhance lighting fixtures for better visibility at night.
The community’s response has been largely positive. Local parents, in particular, have welcomed the changes for improved safety.
A public hearing on this project is set for April 28. If approved, the team hopes to complete the playground move and parking lot upgrades by next summer.
This initiative is part of a broader trend among nonprofits focusing on safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency, aiming to serve their communities better. To learn more about the changes happening in Darien, you can check local news outlets for updates.
For those interested in supporting food assistance programs, the Connecticut Food Bank has reported a 25% increase in demand since last year, highlighting the importance of such expansions.
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CT Insider, Darien Times, Stamford Advocate, Norwalk Hour
