• Introducing Your 2025 Plates with Purpose Lineup

    Introducing Your 2025 Plates with Purpose Lineup

    The Sixth Annual Plates with Purpose—an evening of food, fun, and festivities, will be held September 27, 2025. The evening will take guests on a culinary adventure designed by some of Connecticut’s top chefs. 

    Get tickets today, because this lineup is a can’t miss!

    Luke Venner
    Elm, Executive Chef

    Born and raised in rural South Dakota, Luke Venner began his culinary career at the age of 18 with a 4-year apprenticeship under acclaimed French Chef Fabrice Beaudoin in Vail, Colorado. Heading further west, he was part of the opening team of Napa Valley darling Redd Restaurant in Yountville, California. His path ultimately led him to New York City, where he garnered a Michelin recommendation as the Executive Chef of the Flatiron district’s beloved BLT Fish. Luke’s approach at Elm is influenced by the culinary traditions of the East Coast, with imaginative nods to the travels that brought him here. His cooking style has been praised by The New York Times, Gotham, Elle, Vogue, Men’s Health, Brides, Smithsonian, and Wine Spectator. Outside the kitchen, Chef Luke battles childhood hunger by participating in Chefs Cycle—an annual 300-mile endurance cycling event along California’s North Coast, which has raised millions of dollars of funding for the No Kid Hungry Foundation. He is also an active supporter and fundraiser for the local Connecticut-based non-profit Filling in the Blanks. When not at the restaurant, Luke enjoys traveling in search of new food inspirations with his wife, Kelli, and can typically be found hunting or fishing with his dog Massimo.

    Tyler Anderson
    Millwright’s Restaurant, Chef & Owner

    Chef Tyler was born and raised in Southern California where he began his career  in professional kitchens. Tyler has been fortunate to work throughout the country for some of the best Chefs in the business. His passion for his craft and locale  are evident in his cooking style, which is inspired by simple quality goods and the  culinary traditions of New England. Tyler has become a well known name in Connecticut, recognized for his numerous restaurants, generosity, and one of a kind sense of humor. His restaurants have garnered numerous statewide awards including best restaurant overall (ten times), three best new restaurant awards along with many more.Tyler has been nominated for the James Beard Best Chef Northeast award seven  years in a row. He has also been named CT Chef of the Year. Tyler was a  contestant on Season 15 of Top Chef, as well as on episodes of Chopped and  Beat Bobby Flay.Tyler and his team are extremely involved in philanthropic works and pride  themselves on helping raise money for many local and national charities.

    Prasad Chirnomula
    Chef Prasad Indian Kitchen & Market, Chef & Owner

    Chef Prasad’s culinary training began at an early age; he learned how to cook by his  mother’s side. Inspired by food and by hospitality, the eighteen-year-old bucked his  family’s expectations that he would be a doctor, and instead pursued an education at the  Food Craft Institute of Poona, where he not only studied culinary arts, but also hotel and  restaurant management. During his time at school, he worked at the Ritz Hotel in  Hyderabad, learning about hospitality from one of his country’s finest hotels. While there,  he spent every free moment he had in the Ritz kitchens to learn everything he could from  their chefs. Later, after graduating first in his class at Food Craft, he became director of  food and beverage at the Ritz, where, at the age of 22, he managed a work force of 250  employees. He learned then how to lead teams and recognize the talents of his  employees, and how to work together to create an unparalleled experience for his guests. In 1988, drawing on his training and experience both in India and in the US, Chef Prasad embarked on a multitude of partnerships in which he  co-owned, operated and launched six successful restaurants throughout New York,  Connecticut and Massachusetts. And in 2001, he became sole owner and chef of Thali in  New Canaan, Connecticut. As diners at his restaurants will attest, Chef Prasad’s attention to service and ambiance is equally as  impressive as his attention to food. This is because he firmly believes that the ritual of  dining out should be an extraordinary one, an event that rises above the experience of  eating at home.

    Hannah Gorman 
    Revel with DinnerThyme, Chef & Owner

    Having trained and cooked professionally at celebrated restaurants from Boston to San Francisco to New York, Hannah’s obsession and passion for great food and parties started early and hasn’t stopped. A permanent student of Food and Entertaining, she soaks up inspiration from the greats around the globe. The end result has been 20 plus years of massive amounts of reveling with her catering business Revel with DinnerThyme. “It is so exciting and always a challenge and joy to bring a great party to life, large or small. Great parties absolutely inspire people and make life great.

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  • Families and local schools are bracing for it to get even harder to meet kids’ hunger needs

    Families and local schools are bracing for it to get even harder to meet kids’ hunger needs

    Food insecurity touches literally every community across America. Yes, literally 100% of counties and congressional districts are home to people facing hunger, including ours. 

    Hunger rates surged at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, returned to near pre-pandemic levels with the help of emergency measures, and have only crept steadily back up since mid-2021— a backslide following years of progress. The most recent data reports are from 2023, but as we, and others in the field, can tell you, the demand for hunger solutions keeps going up. Summer Weekend Meal registration reached an all-time high this year, and Fresh Food on the Move has already delivered over a million pounds of needed grocery items. We’re currently preparing for record registration in the fall as well. Along with all of the national hunger organizations, we’re expecting this trend of increased demand to continue. 

    Locally, families have benefited from free school meals made possible by American Rescue Plan dollars, but those funds have run out, and a Connecticut state legislative bill that would have provided free lunch to all students failed to pass.

    Families that relied on school meals last year will face the added strain of covering more food related expenses in the year ahead.  Melona Cruz, a single parent of three, shared her anxieties with NBC Connecticut, “I’m living check to check. It’s really tough out there now, especially with the rising costs of food and gas and everything else.” As reported, the cost of lunch for her three children would total $1,890 a school year.

    Many local families experiencing food insecurity—over 40% in Connecticut and even higher in areas of New York that we serve—face the added hurdle of not qualifying for SNAP, the federal program intended to help. They remain stuck, not having resources to buy enough food, yet exceeding program income limits. Recent federal policy and budget changes are expected to push even more families into these difficult circumstances. 

    As we prepare for the new school year, please consider ways you can support our food and meal programs. From volunteering to fundraising, and of course your generous donations, your support makes Filling in the Blanks possible.

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  • Sharif’s story: Removing one small worry from a child’s life can change their entire outlook

    Sharif’s story: Removing one small worry from a child’s life can change their entire outlook

    Sharif’s story was shared by the caring staff of Roxbury Elementary School.

    Sharif worried way more than most kids his age, especially about his parents. Notably, his anxieties often centered around food. Sharif would ask teachers for food because his family did not have the money to buy snacks he saw other students enjoying.

    Fortunately, Sharif was part of the free lunch program, which also entitled him to receive a free hot breakfast each morning. And when Filling in the Blanks Weekend Meal Bag program became available, he was the first to enroll.

    Before the first distribution, Sharif double- and triple-checked that he was “on the list.” Then, on the big day, he stopped by the office to ask what time “it was happening.” In this regard, Sharif is not unlike other students enrolled in the program—each Friday is a special day for them!

    Fast forward a couple of months and something unexpected and quite wonderful happened. Sharif became noticeably calmer. He stopped fretting about all kinds of things, from school to friends to his parents’ health. The program didn’t merely satisfy Sharif’s nutritional needs, it was a balm to his emotional needs too.

    Never doubt that removing one small worry from a child’s life can be profound. And you have the power to do that today. Your gift could provide the relief another local child has been waiting for.

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  • Yesenia’s volunteer story: “Do you ever skip a meal so that your child can eat?”

    Yesenia’s volunteer story: “Do you ever skip a meal so that your child can eat?”

    “I remember being in first grade, six years old, smart enough to know a little about life, but not enough to truly understand how it all worked. One day, I came home from school to find the table covered in food. The same table that was usually almost empty was now covered with fresh vegetables, fruit, milk, and juice. I was too focused on how happy I felt seeing something so rare in my life that I never thought to stop and wonder: how did we get all this food?”

    Yesenia and her mom with Filling in the Blanks’s Paola Arango, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator.

    This isn’t the story of a family we serve, it’s from one of our volunteers. But often, their stories overlap.  That moment when Yesenia came home to find food on the table became a core memory. Now 19 and thriving, she is both a pre-school teacher and college student nearing graduation from Connecticut State Norwalk. Yesenia is also committed to paying it forward by helping others challenged by food insecurity.

    As a regular volunteer with Fresh Food on the Move,  Yesenia enjoys the direct interaction with families. The food gap and their needs are fully palpable, however. “From the moment I arrive at six am, no matter the weather, I see the line already wrapped around the corner. My mom always said ‘Cuando hay necesidad uno espera’ which means ‘When there is need, one waits.’ And it’s true. There are people who get there at three in the morning, patiently waiting for food that will not be distributed until eight.”

    Feelings of gratitude, community, and camaraderie are also abundant, and bring joy to these events. “I’ve overheard comments like ‘This pantry is not like other pantries out there’ and ‘How blessed are we to receive fresh food?’ Families feel heard, seen, and valued. It’s a reminder of how meaningful this mobile pantry is to everyone it reaches—a reminder to continue it with kindness, compassion, care, and love.” 

    “I asked a mother, ‘Do you ever skip a meal so that your child can eat?’—one of the questions on our registration form—and with her child next to her, she whispered ‘yes.’ It brought me back to my own childhood, standing in line at pantries with my mom. How did we get all that food? It was because of organizations like Filling in the Blanks.”

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  • Celebrate Small Business with Filling in the Blanks Partners

    Celebrate Small Business with Filling in the Blanks Partners

    May is Small Business Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate those businesses who are the backbone of our communities. As cherished local staples, it’s no surprise that many of our most dedicated and passionate partners are indeed small businesses. 

    We work closely with partners to create real value that goes beyond the feel-good moments. Nonprofit-business partnerships create community impact, expand networks, and boost visibility in authentic and meaningful ways. Explore how teaming up with us to fight childhood hunger could be a smart move for your small business—we’d love to have you on board!

    1. Deepening Community Roots

    By supporting our work to end childhood hunger, you’re actively investing in a stronger community. These partnerships demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a difference beyond profits which strengthens customer loyalty. 

    2. Boosting Brand Awareness 

    Supporting our work provides visibility in ways traditional marketing can’t. Whether through event sponsorship or corporate volunteering and fundraising, you’re creating organic touchpoints with new audiences. Plus, these interactions are truly authentic—they demonstrate your company values in action.

    3. Expanding Your Network

    Partnership opens doors to new relationships, both personally and professionally. From local leaders and volunteers to other business owners, these connections can lead to exciting collaborations, referrals, or even joint ventures down the road.

    4. Creating a Purpose-Driven WorkplaceEmployees want to feel proud of where they work. When a business partners with local organizations, it creates opportunities for staff to engage in meaningful community service. Whether it’s volunteering time, offering pro bono services, or participating in events, this shared purpose can strengthen team morale and retention.

    5. Mutual Growth

    While we undoubtedly benefit from the resources, services, or skillsets that our local businesses can offer, they in turn gain trust, goodwill, and visibility. We offer true partnership grounded in sustainable, mutually beneficial growth.

    New York and Connecticut businesses who want to help us end childhood hunger can get in touch any time to learn more. Your partnership translates directly into healthy meals for kids, provides memorable volunteering activities for teams of all sizes, and can be customized to meet your company’s unique budget and goals for community impact.

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  • Economic Uncertainty Threatens to Exacerbate Hunger

    Economic Uncertainty Threatens to Exacerbate Hunger

    Most of the children in our program rely on school-based meals. Their families—already squeezed by the higher cost of food and everything else—don’t always qualify for food assistance. Even if they do, Federal programs and budget cuts are looming large.Families in our community are bracing for continued, and potentially deepening hunger challenges ahead. As always, we’re committed to providing solutions. 

    Food prices continue to rise, programs are getting cut, and assistance could become less accessible.

    Between 2020 and 2024, food prices rose by 23.6%. This year, they are  expected to increase another 3.3%, remaining above the recent historical average of a little over 2% a year. For families already struggling to make ends meet, rising grocery prices don’t mean cutting out luxuries — they mean making difficult decisions between necessities like food, rent, medicine, transportation, and child care. This economic squeeze is at the root of food insecurity in the U.S.

    Against this backdrop, the USDA cut $1 billion in funding to programs that help schools and food banks purchase food from local farms, helping maximize the benefit to communities. And the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, aka “food stamps”) continues to be a target for cuts and more restrictive accessibility standards.

    Ready to fill the gap

    As the need for food assistance has grown in recent years, so has our commitment, impact, and reach. With this community’s continued support, Filling in the Blanks will continue filling critical hunger gaps. You can signal your commitment today with a donation of any amount. 

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  • The United Airlines NYC Half is this weekend! And we’ll be there.

    The United Airlines NYC Half is this weekend! And we’ll be there.

    While the rest of us have our sights set on the upcoming Unite to Fight 5K—a mere three miles—these folks will be pounding the pavement in the big city this weekend for the United Airlines NYC Half! Filling in the Blanks is thrilled to be an official charity partner of this year’s race, which means that not only have each of our runners committed to completing a half marathon, they’ve made a commitment to fundraise on our behalf. Please join us in celebrating and supporting their commitment to the fight against childhood hunger. 

    Robin Johnson

    “I’m so excited to be participating in the NYC Half Marathon, supporting Filling in the Blanks. Your support makes a direct impact in the fight against childhood hunger. Thank you for helping make a difference!” Support Robin 

    Victoria Byron

    “I’m passionate about this cause and need your help! Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.” Support Victoria

    Bessie Zavidow

    “I’m thrilled to be participating in the NYC Half Marathon, a fundraiser supporting Filling in the Blanks! I’m passionate about this cause and need your help! Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.” Support Bessie

    Thad LaSusa

    “I am super excited to be participating in the NYC Half Marathon on behalf of Filling in the Blanks! It is my first half marathon and any donations that can help end child hunger would make this opportunity even better!” Support Thad

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  • Get race-day ready for Filling in the Blanks’s Unite to Fight 5K Run/Walk 2025

    Get race-day ready for Filling in the Blanks’s Unite to Fight 5K Run/Walk 2025

    April’s Unite to Fight 5K is for everyone, regardless of age or skill. But for anyone motivated to kick things up a notch, Monica Concha, certified personal trainer and Filling in the Blanks volunteer, shares training trips below. And for help with your fundraising efforts, we’ve got you covered there too >>

    Take time to warm up

    A dynamic warm-up (continuous active movements for approximately 10-15 minutes) is key to promoting blood flow, increasing body temperature, and injury prevention. Plus, it sets the stage for your recovery post-workout. 

    Train SMART

    If you’re doing cardio (running/walking/biking/cross-training) and/or strength training (weight-bearing/bodyweight/fitness classes), give yourself time to rest and recover between workouts. Regardless of your fitness level, it’s important to avoid overtraining. If you’re feeling especially sore or tired, listen to your body. It’s OK to skip a day.

    Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

    Drinking water throughout the day is vital to all sorts of bodily functions: temperature regulation, joint lubrication, delivering nutrients to the cells, and preventing muscle cramps to name a few. While hydrating it’s important to keep in mind electrolyte balance. Electrolytes help regulate muscle contractions and keep you hydrated—depending on the type and intensity of your workouts, plain water may not be sufficient to keep electrolytes in balance. Sports drinks often contain electrolytes, or they can be added to plain water in powder form.

    Stay fueled

    What you eat and when you eat it has a huge impact on your training. Some people can exercise on an empty stomach and do relatively well, while others require food intake before they can even think about working out. An easily digestible carb works well for those who require a pre-workout meal. Carbohydrates provide immediate fuel to the body which is why they’re recommended for harder and longer workouts. 

    Get a good night’s sleep

    Are you catching enough Zzzs?!? This is something a lot of people struggle with, but as you already know, sleep plays a massive role in how we operate on a daily basis. It is recommended to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night and although that may seem like a stretch, it makes a real difference. 

    Practice active recovery

    Active recovery involves keeping your body moving but without the added stress and strain of your training days. Incorporating some low-intensity activities—like yoga, swimming, or a relaxed walk—can help increase and improve circulation, while potentially flushing out any lactic acid buildup (the stuff that causes sore muscles). 

    Whatever your training goals are, it’s important to make it enjoyable. If you’re forcing yourself to do something just to do it, chances are you might be doing more harm than good. If you’re struggling with motivation, find a training buddy. If you are the type of person who prefers to work out alone, try switching things up to avoid monotony. Remember: the only person you are competing against is you!

    Get ready for showtime!

    In the week leading up to race day, less is more. Ease up and keep your run/walk to 2-3 days this week. Give yourself 1-2 full days of rest and recovery depending on your fitness level. You’re amazing for making the commitment to see this through and regardless of the outcome, you should be proud of yourself. See you on race day, champ! 

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  • How Filling in the Blanks Makes Company-Sponsored Volunteering Easier for Organizations of All Sizes

    How Filling in the Blanks Makes Company-Sponsored Volunteering Easier for Organizations of All Sizes

    Article originally published by SmartBrief.

    Workplaces have been trying to right-size following the chaos of the pandemic, and engagement has been a challenge. At least a quarter of workers worldwide have burnout symptoms, and more than three-quarters say they’re disengaged.   

    Volunteering, however, can address these problems by reducing stress. One study shows that 79% of employees who volunteer are more satisfied at work, while 62% value their company’s support of nonprofit organizations. Helping others in their community gives employees a more positive outlook, which can carry over to work. Employees who believe their managers and employer are empathetic are less likely to call in sick or report burnout, Stanford University research psychologist Jamil Zaki says. Companies that sponsor volunteering opportunities for employees clearly benefit, and that’s why many offer paid time off for volunteering, which further enhances workplace engagement.

    Our colleagues had so much fun, were super engaged and motivated by the fact that they were making a meaningful difference for students within our community.

    Pitney Bowes, Associate Manager, Global Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy

    Deciding which organizations to support — and then coordinating the individual opportunities or events for employees — can be tricky for HR directors and other company leaders. Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer have helped fill that gap in New York and Connecticut’s Fairfield, Westchester, and Putnam counties. Their nonprofit Filling in the Blanks provides corporate partners with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to be a part of the local fight against hunger. They arrange engaging volunteer events at their Norwalk warehouse, and can even bring a meal-packing event to the corporate campus. Knight, Kramer and FITB board member Chris LaSusa of Paloma Partners share their experiences with workplace volunteering.

    What’s the biggest problem employers encounter with volunteering options, and how does Filling in the Blanks make the process easier for companies? 

    Knight: The biggest challenge employers face with volunteering options is finding opportunities that are both meaningful and easy to coordinate for their teams. Filling in the Blanks, founded in 2013, eliminates this barrier by offering streamlined, impactful ways for companies to get involved. With an average of 25 employees per company volunteering, teams can pack and even hand out fresh food at the mobile pantry, directly supporting children facing food insecurity. Having served over 3 million meals to date, our programs are simple to organize and highly rewarding, ensuring that companies can focus on making a difference without the logistical headaches.

    Filling in the Blanks isn’t just a one-and-done organization, like a holiday toy drive. How has it become a part of the community?

    Kramer: “Filling in the Blanks has become an integral part of the community by consistently addressing the critical issue of childhood hunger year-round, not just during the holidays. Its ongoing efforts to provide weekend meals to children who might otherwise go hungry have built trust and lasting relationships with local families, schools and organizations. Through its sustained presence, the organization has cultivated a sense of shared responsibility and belonging, inspiring volunteers and donors to actively participate in its mission. By staying deeply engaged, Filling in the Blanks has evolved from a service provider into a cornerstone of the community, uniting people around the shared goal of ensuring no child goes hungry.

    Why did you choose to partner with Filling in the Blanks for your company’s volunteering options? 

    LaSusa: Our team has been deeply committed to supporting Filling in the Blanks, both through financial contributions and active and regular employee volunteerism. As a board member, I get to play an even bigger role in bridging the gap for children facing food insecurity while fostering a culture of giving within our team.

    What changes have you seen in the workplace and in your employees since connecting with Filling in the Blanks?

    LaSusa: Since partnering with Filling in the Blanks, we’ve seen a shift in our team’s culture. Employees feel more engaged and united, knowing their efforts are making a tangible impact on children’s lives. Volunteering has fostered a deeper sense of purpose and collaboration, while the partnership has reinforced our team’s commitment to community service and social responsibility.

    Contact us today to learn more about corporate partnership and volunteer opportunities with Filling in the Blanks.

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  • Filling in the Blanks’ Food for Thought Quarterly

    Filling in the Blanks’ Food for Thought Quarterly

    Thank you for all your support!

    Thanks to your generosity and commitment, we’ve made remarkable strides in 2024. Our weekend meal bag program grew from serving 6,368 children to 9,158—an astounding increase of 2,790 children who didn’t go hungry because of you.

    We’re also thrilled to share the expansion of our Fresh Food on the Move Mobile Pantry, which added a new site in Bridgeport. Together with our locations in Norwalk and Stamford, we’ve served over 11,600 families and distributed an incredible 698,000 pounds of fresh, grade-A food last year.

    None of this would have been possible without your financial support and countless volunteer hours. You make our mission to fight childhood food insecurity a reality. From all of us at FITB, thank you.

    Spotlight Story from 2024

    “Since I immigrated to the United States from Guatemala in 2000, I’ve been living with my partner, my two children (ages 20 and 9), and my stepson, who recently arrived in the country at 24. I work as a house cleaner, but with low wages, it’s a constant struggle to make ends meet. Most days, I pick up my 9-year-old daughter from school and care for her while the other members of my household look for work. My partner does day labor, but since his work depends on the weather, our income is uncertain, especially during bad weather.

    Applying for SNAP benefits feels overwhelming. I’m paid in cash, and the inconsistent amounts make it hard to answer questions about our income. Growing up in poverty in Guatemala, I never imagined I would face similar struggles here in the U.S.

    I tried attending another mobile food distribution, but the quality of food was poor—sometimes spoiled or expired. I had to salvage whatever I could. That’s why I was so grateful when I discovered Filling in the Blanks’ mobile food pantry events. I’ve been attending since they began in October 2023, and it’s been such a blessing. I’m so happy to serve my family fresh, high-quality food that I get to choose myself.

    One of the most heartwarming things about “Fresh Food on the Move” is that it’s allowed me to save enough money to enroll my daughter in soccer for the first time. Seeing her on the field, smiling and thriving, means the world to me.” – Mom in line at Mobile Pantry

    New Board Chair – Michael Kramer

    Michael Kramer is a Founding Member and CEO of Ducera Partnersa boutique investment banking firm.  Prior to founding Ducera Partners, Mr. Kramer was a Partner and held various leadership roles at Perella Weinberg Partners, Greenhill & Co., and Houlihan Lokey. Mr. Kramer is also an active investor in both early stage and mature private companies, having invested in companies that operate in Financial Services, Sports and Entertainment, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Technology, Crypto/Blockchain, Consumer, Winemaking, Apparel, and Transportation, among others.

    Mr. Kramer has served as a member of the board of directors of several public companies, currently serves on the board of directors of several private companies and non-profits.  Additionally Mr. Kramer serves as a Governor for the WHL (Western Hockey League) a part of the CHL (Canadian Hockey League) and is a member of the Advisory Board of RAND Corporation’s Kenneth R. Feinberg Center for Catastrophic Risk Management and Compensation

    New Board Member – Laura Jordan

    Laura Jordan is the Director of Government and Community Affairs for Stamford Health. She has facilitated health and social service provider participation at Stamford mobile pantries. Laura previously managed government affairs and political law compliance for a telecommunications provider and had a long career as an attorney for leaders in the Connecticut legislature. She also serves on the board of Building One Community and the Stamford Chamber of Commerce.

    Special Thank You To – Sue Mirza

    Thank you to the 3 years of service Sue has provided us as Board Chair. Sue has spent 15+ years in corporate banking and private equity before “retiring” to raise her family in Fairfield County and devote her time to philanthropic efforts. She devotes her time locally to Board seats at Filling in the Blanks and Inspirica. Sue will remain on our board and continue to help us fight childhood hunger. 

    Next up at FITB

    Garavel Community Partnership

    For the month of January, when you purchase or lease a vehicle from Garavel, part of the proceeds will go directly to Filling in the Blanks. The goal of Garavel’s Community Partnership Program is to financially assist non-profit organizations whose efforts directly benefit Norwalk and its local areas, as well as to increase awareness and visibility of FITB. Click here to visit their website!

    Layla’s Falafel

    Throughout February, Layla’s Falafel will donate $2 for every pint of hummus sold at their Fairfield, Stamford, and Westport locations. This initiative supports their generous $12,000 pledge to fund the Bridgeport Fresh Food on the Move Mobile Pantry for the month of February, with every pint sold directly contributing to this commitment. Click here to visit their website!

    NYC Half Marathon!

    Super exciting news: We are an official charity partner for this year’s 2025 United Airlines NYC Half! What better way to kick off your New Year’s resolutions than to train for and run 13 miles, all while raising money to support our mission? Interested in running on behalf of Filling in the Blanks? Runners will be selected through a lottery on January 22nd. Click here to apply for your chance to participate!

    SOUPerbowl Drive 2025

    In celebration of the 2025 Super Bowl – we are collecting soups for the children in our weekend meal bag program. 10-12oz Tomato Soup and Chicken Soup are the items we need. Feel free to tell your friends and family about this opportunity, or maybe classmates for a friendly competition. Deadline is February 10th.

    Click here to donate SOUP

    Mark Your Calendars!

    We have lots of exciting events coming up in 2025!

    • April 6th- Unite to Fight 5K- Wavney Park

    • May 13th- 12th Annual Golf Outing- GlenArbor Golf Club

    • October 2025- Plates with Purpose Gala

    Thank you to our Sponsors!

    A huge thank you to our Corporate Partners. Your sponsorship has been an incredible benefit to our team and organization and we are so grateful for your kindness. We recognize the following companies for their commitment to feeding hungry children.

    ree
    Learn how to add your name to our list of corporate partners!

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