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News

Photos: Foodshare's Rentschler Field Site Reopens

Connecticut Public Radio | By Joe Amon

Published January 13, 2021 at 5:50 PM EST

Volunteer Marti Simmons of Hebron checks boxes of vegetables before they go out at Foodshare's Rentschler Field location on Jan. 12.

Foodshare has been distributing food at Rentschler Field in East Hartford since the pandemic began. This site, which has served more than 227,000 households, reopened on Jan. 12, 2021, after Foodshare initially announced it would shut it down for the winter. With assistance from members of the Connecticut Air National Guard, Foodshare workers and volunteers distributed donated food on Tuesday to a line of cars estimated at 1,200. Some of those in the drive-thru line waited over an hour to collect food for friends and neighbors who couldn’t make the trip.

Boxes of fresh vegetables from Foodshare — Boxes of fresh vegetables are lined up under a tent prior to being distributed by Foodshare at Rentschler Field in East Hartford on Jan. 12.

U.S. Air Force staff sergeant Jennifer Michels, Foodshare — Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Michels with volunteers from the 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard, loads vegetables into a slowly moving car.

Shawn Harrell of Hartford looks back at her granddaughter, 2-year-old Araya Williams, while waiting for the lines of cars to start moving. “People are in need, don't have vegetables and food, I give it to them. I'm in need too, but some are afraid to go or just can't get out. My kids say I want to save the world,” she said.

Rentschler Field parking lot — The parking lot is well close to full with about an hour and a half before the lines will start to move at Foodshare's Rentschler Field site. This site alone has served over 227,000 households.

Dom Piccini, food trailer — Foodshare logistics manager Dom Piccini opens the third of four trailers for more food about halfway through food distribution on Jan. 12 at Rentschler Field.

Miguel Ve, Foodshare associate supervisor — Associate supervisor Miguel Ve, 29, of Plainville unloads more boxes of food from the trailer for distribution.

Monique Cardella, Foodshare — Flyer distributor Monique Cardella adds recipes to each allocation of food at Foodshare's Rentschler Field site.

Michelle Zelesky, Foodshare — Michelle Zelesky, 60, of Bolton checks milk cartons for leaks before they are put into cars.

Distributors (from left) Terri Bugansici, Kate Ferris-Morrell, Sabrina Wright and Renee Dinino do some dancing as cars make their way through Foodshare's line at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

John Bunk, 70, of East Hartford waits in line for over an hour and a half to pick up food for friends and neighbors who can't make the trip.

Kate Ferris-Morrell, Foodshare — Volunteer Kate Ferris-Morrell, 41, of East Granby waves a good day to each family as they pass through the line.

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