STEP 1: Contact Cheshire Human Services at 203-271-6690.
Eligibility and Assistance Information
If you are a Cheshire resident experiencing a crisis due to health
issues, loss of a loved one, low income, or unemployment, you
may be eligible to receive assistance through the Town of
Cheshire Human Services Department.
If you are not a Cheshire resident, you are encouraged to
contact 211 Infoline or the Connecticut Food Bank for
information about assistance programs available in your town.
Application Process
All individuals and families must contact Cheshire Human
Services at 203-271-6690 before being referred to the Pantry.
Please note that the Pantry does not participate in the eligibility
screening process.
Eligibility Determination
Any Cheshire resident experiencing financial hardship is
encouraged to apply. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case
basis. The evaluation considers the entire household’s income
and subtracts necessary documented expenses, such as
housing, utilities, medical bills and co-pays, and childcare.
If you believe you may be eligible for assistance, contact
Cheshire Human Services at 203-271-6690.
Appointments and Review Process
Contact Cheshire Human Services at 203-271-6690.
Appointments are mandatory, as the scheduling process helps
ensure applicant confidentiality.
Once the application process is complete, the applicant’s file
will be reviewed and evaluated for eligibility by Cheshire Human
Services. Please note that the Pantry does not participate in the
eligibility screening process.
Limited Faith-Based Referral Exception
If you are not a Cheshire resident but are a regularly attending
congregant of a Cheshire faith organization, you may request
assistance through that organization. As a first step, the verified
head of the organization must contact the Pantry’s Executive
Director by phone. If it is determined that the process may
proceed, a signed and dated letter on the faith organization’s
letterhead must then be provided by that same verified head,
stating that the individual is experiencing food insecurity.
While this pathway is permitted under Pantry bylaws,
individuals are expected to seek assistance from pantries
within their own community whenever possible.
If approved, participation in Pantry services under this
exception is limited to a period of up to six months, after which
the case will be subject to additional review. At the conclusion
of that review, individuals must complete the eligibility process
through Cheshire Human Services in order to continue receiving
assistance.