Greenwich residents founded Neighbor to Neighbor in 1975 to address the issues of poverty and food insecurity in the community. The non-profit initially started out of Christ Church, 254 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, Connecticut as a distribution center of gently used clothing. Since then, the organization has expanded, instituting multiple food programs and offering other essential products. In 2021, the food pantry moved into the newly constructed Cohen Center for Neighbor to Neighbor, providing a welcoming environment and more space to store food and products. Mrs. Victoria Quake, a Greenwich resident and Neighbor to Neighbor volunteer, and Mrs. Kristen Shapiro, Co-Director of Neighbor to Neighbor, spoke about the organization’s work and mission.
Neighbor to Neighbor operates similarly to a small grocery store, distributing food weekly through its client-choice food pantry, providing clients with a nutritious food selection. The pantry runs on a point system, where clients have the ability to shop up to three times per week and personal care products once a month. During holidays and occasions, Neighbor to Neighbor provides special items such as turkey and desserts for Thanksgiving, and in the summer, they supply supplemental grocery bags for families with young kids. By providing food and essentials for people in need, they address issues that are present within the community.
Mrs. Quake has volunteered and helped the organization with fundraisers over the years. She emphasized the positive atmosphere at the food pantry and the organization’s importance in keeping the community thriving.
“Neighbor to Neighbor is a wonderful organization; it’s a needed resource in our community,” Mrs. Quake said. “It provides a food pantry where clients can browse and choose what their family needs and likes. It also offers other items like clothing and essentials, including personal care and hygiene products. This is all done in a respectful, compassionate environment in their new building on the Christ Church campus.”
Due to the perception that affluence is the norm in Greenwich, people often overlook the issue of poverty in this area. Mr. Brent Hill, Executive Director of Neighbor to Neighbor, explained that this narrative is inaccurate. He commented that over 10 percent of the Greenwich population falls below the national poverty line, and another 12.9 percent are near this level. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic with an increased demand for necessities, families below the poverty line relied heavily on the support of Neighbor to Neighbor, and their services expanded to more of the population.
Today, Neighbor to Neighbor continues to combat and bring awareness to poverty and food insecurity within the local community. Mrs. Kristen Shapiro, Co-Director of Neighbor to Neighbor, offered insight into the organization’s mission to support community members in need and eradicate problems within Greenwich.
“Neighbor to Neighbor improves the lives of residents in need throughout the Greenwich area and strengthens our community by creating access to food, clothing, and basic living essentials in an atmosphere of kindness and respect,” Mrs. Shapiro said. “The organization would like to assist all Greenwich families in need. Ultimately, our greatest accomplishment would be to eradicate the need for our services.”
Claire Maher ’24 and Emily Sedgwick ’24 work to connect Sacred Heart Greenwich with the local community through the Neighbor to Neighbor Club they started last school year. This club allows students to support the organization in its mission to eradicate hunger and poverty through activities and volunteer opportunities.
Featured Image by Ellie Furman ’26
