CCFP Client Eligibility for Food Assistance
Who We Serve
Food assistance is available to Cheshire residents who meet our eligibility guidelines, ensuring that resources are directed to individuals and families in our community experiencing food insecurity.
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 Connecticut 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 contacting the Pantry.
Eligibility Determination
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. The evaluation considers the entire household’s income and subtracts documented necessary expenses. If you believe you may be eligible for assistance, contact Cheshire Human Services at 203-271-6690. Once the application process is complete, the applicant’s file will be reviewed and evaluated 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 of the organization 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 first. 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.