Hands On Hartford Receives $7,500 Grant from Archbishop’s Annual Appeal to Support Vital Food Insecurity Programs
Hartford, CT — Hands On Hartford is proud to announce it has received a generous grant of $7,500 from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, distributed through its Vicariate Outreach Program. The funding, presented on September 16, 2025, will directly support two of the organization’s critical initiatives addressing food insecurity: the MANNA Community Pantry and the Student Weekend Backpack Program.
Founded in 1969, Hands On Hartford has long been a trusted presence in the community, working to meet the basic needs of Hartford’s most vulnerable residents and help them build toward long-term stability. The grant from the Archdiocese of Hartford helps further this mission during a time of growing need.
The funding will strengthen:
The MANNA Community Pantry, which currently serves over 1,100 households each month, offering essential groceries and fresh food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
The Student Weekend Backpack Program, which ensures weekend nutrition for 225 students across eight Hartford schools. Students enrolled in this Program are considered to be at risk of going hungry over weekends when school meal programs are unavailable.
“We are deeply grateful to the Archdiocese of Hartford for this vital support,” said Janet P. Bermudez, Executive Director of Hands On Hartford. “Since our founding, we have responded to our neighbors’ most urgent needs in partnership with our faith-based community. At a time when so many are facing economic hardship and food insecurity, this funding helps us continue to meet people where they are — with compassion, dignity, and hope.”
This partnership between Hands On Hartford and the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal represents a shared commitment to uplift those most in need and ensure that no neighbor is left behind.
About Hands On Hartford
For 56 years, Hands On Hartford has served Hartford’s most vulnerable residents through essential programs focused on food security, housing stability, and health. Each year, the organization impacts over 7,000 individuals through a wide range of services, working in partnership with both secular and faith-based organizations across Greater Hartford. To learn more or get involved, visit www.handsonhartford.org.
About the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
Since 1981, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been able to assist countless people, regardless of race, religion, or color – across the Archdiocese of Hartford with healthcare, education, housing, emergency expenses, and in numerous other areas. It is through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program and the generosity of donors that the Appeal is able to assist a wide array of community-based charities throughout Hartford, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties.
Media Contact:
Donna D. Colliton
Director of Partnerships & Support
Hands On Hartford
860-706-1538