The Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center is building a 2000 square foot food preservation kitchen in its emergency food distribution warehouse to:

• Refresh all generations of the community with locally grown food.     
• Promote local agriculture. 
• Process and preserve donated foods from farmers that may deteriorate before distribution.
• Increase emergency and community food supply with fresh produce.
• Pass on family knowledge of ways to cook and preserve food.
• Empower individuals to become self-sufficient.
• Educate individuals, youth, and children about nutrition.
• Train people with job skills to prepare and process food.

The Food Center provides in-kind office support and collaborates with:

• F.R.E.S.H  New London, an community gardening project
• End Hunger Connecticut, food stamp outreach
• A Movable Feast, a home delivered nutrition program for those under age 60 and are undergoing treatment for an acute medical condition.
• Ledge Light Health District
• Thames Valley Council for Community Action  (social services)
• University of Connecticut Extension Service (nutrition education)
• Healthy initiatives including “ACHIEVE” and “The Greater New London Farm to City” project.

The Food Center’s Vision Committee has interviewed clients and participated in focus groups to plan for food security in New London County. Demand for nutritious food and meat products is going up and existing sources and funds are difficult to get.

The Food Center also contributes in-kind facility, administrative, and operational support:

• Food Preservation Kitchen Space:  2000 sq. ft.
• Office Space:  2,000 sq. ft (including a conference room).
• Walk-in freezer and walk-in refrigerator
• Staff resources:  (4) full-time Food Center staff:  Project Director, Food Product Manager, Agency Relations Specialist and Warehouse Specialist. 

With the Food Preservation Kitchen, the community will have the opportunity to actively participate in developing a healthier life by processing and preserving nutritious foods.