Who is Eligible?

Any Enfield resident, who meets the requirements and completes the qualification process, is eligible. People with referral slips for first time use only may receive food but must complete the qualification process for further eligibility.

Many are Helped

Each week, the Food Shelf distributes food to an average of 300+ families (just under 1000 adults and children). In addition to weekly orders, the Food Shelf also prepares special items for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Client Responsibility Policy

Registration / Re-qualification Criteria

To receive food assistance, a family - household must register and meet the following criteria:

RESIDENCY:             

ALL adult (18 or older) family - household members must be Enfield residents and must provide documentation as follows:

1. valid driver’s license OR legal photo ID;

2. utility bill OR rent/mortgage receipt  (PRIMARY APPLICANT

    ONLY).

INCOME:

DOCUMENTED PROOF of the gross annual income for ALL adult members (excluding high school students) of the family - household must be provided for :

     wages; Social Security benefits; 

     Social Security disability benefits;

     Workmen’s Compensation;

     Unemployment Compensation;

     Alimony; Child Support; and Pension income.

The gross annual income for the family - household is the total of the adult income(s).

Registration / Re-qualification Criteria

ELIGIBILITY:             

The gross annual income for all members  (excluding high school students) of the family - household must be at or below 235% of the most recent Federal Poverty level.

Families - Households may apply for services on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM or Thursdays from 2 PM to 6:30 PM. 

Families - Households are reminded to have all necessary documentation. Families - Households WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE for services until they complete the registration / requalification application.

Call us (860-741-7321) if you have questions or need assistance

A  volunteer will assist you with the completion of the registration forms. To receive food assistance, the individual, family, or household must be Enfield residents and must present the following documentation during the registration process:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, legal photo ID)
• Proof of residency in Enfield, CT (rent/mortgage receipt, utility bill)
• Proof of all wages and income for ALL adults (excluding high school students) as follows:
  • Wages earned
  • Social Security benefits
  • Social Security Disability benefits
  • Workmen's Compensation
  • Unemployment compensation
  • Alimony
  • Child support
  • Pension income

MaryEllen prepares to register new clients.

After all of the information is processed, your "Total Gross Annual Income" will be determined. This figure will be matched to the appropriate income level for your family size as defined in the most recent Federal Poverty Level. If you are eligible for food assistance, a volunteer will orient and guide you through the procedures for receiving food. Families/households may register during the food distribution hours on Wednesdays from 9AM - 1 PM and Thursdays from 2 PM - 6:30 PM.  Food assistance WILL NOT be provided until all registration material is presented and validated.

"Client Rights" Policy (adopted 3/10/2009)

The Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and the volunteers of the Enfield Food Shelf, Inc. will respect the rights of the clients as follows:

• Client relationships will not be exploited for personal advantage
• Clients will not experience any form of discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, political belief, handicap (mental or physical), or social stature.
• Clients will not experience any action that violates or denies their civil or legal rights.
• Clients will not have their dignity or personal integrity diminished.
• Client privacy and personal information will be respected and held in confidence.
• Client names and personal information will not be released without the written permission of the client.

Client Rights (adapted from MACC- Manchester Area Conference of Churches Charities, CT)