Neighbor to Neighbor has been Greenwich’s only dedicated food pantry for more than 50 years, filling gaps in the community with the support of donors, volunteers, and partners.
As needs shift, the organization has shifted with them. And today, the need is greater than ever.
Rising costs of food, gas, and other everyday expenses, along with changes to eligibility for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, have pushed Neighbor to Neighbor’s client numbers up 13% compared to this time last year.
And more than 11,000 families across Fairfield County are at risk of losing some or all of their SNAP benefits, a change expected to have a ripple effect on Neighbor to Neighbor and other food pantries in the area.
In response, Neighbor to Neighbor is redoubling its efforts to support the community by welcoming new Board leadership, reimagining roles for longtime staff, and adding a new hire to expand and deepen its impact.
New Board Leadership
In July, Adam Leader, who has been a member of the Board since 2024, stepped into a new role as President, succeeding Karen Royce, who transitioned off the Board after 25 years of dedicated service. During her tenure, Royce served as Board President twice for a total of four years and, as chair of Neighbor to Neighbor’s Capital Campaign, played a key role in securing funds for the organization’s permanent home in the Cohen Center for Neighbor to Neighbor on East Putnam Avenue.
Alongside Mr. Leader, Geoffrey Erickson was elected Vice President of the Board; Jim Hohorst, Treasurer; and new member Robin Reeves Zorthian, Board Secretary.
The Board also welcomed four additional new members — Chris Asmis, Ellen-Jane Moss, Elizabeth Mulligan, and Bobbie Walker — who join current members Aamina Ahmad, Matthew Boardman, JT Coe, Angelique Dawson, Richard J. Margenot, Elizabeth Sanders Mills, Victoria Quake, Kristen Messelian Shapiro, Matt Stevens, and Kathy Walker.
Staff Transitions & New Hires
In addition to the Board changes, Neighbor to Neighbor is reimagining two staff roles and making a more strategic investment in marketing and communications to enhance awareness and fundraising efforts.
Sonya Keshwani, formerly Neighbor to Neighbor’s Youth Outreach Manager, is taking on a new role as Public Affairs Manager, where she will serve as a key representative of Neighbor to Neighbor in the broader community, developing relationships with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit partners, civic organizations, and other stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission and increase awareness of food insecurity.
Jason Grippo, formerly the Operations & Community Support Coordinator, moves into a new role as Student Volunteer & Garden Operations Coordinator, taking over management of student volunteers and the inaugural internship program from Keshwani, as well as its flourishing community gardens that provide fresh produce to the pantry.
Finally, Neighbor to Neighbor recently hired a dedicated Marketing & Communications Manager, Katie Andriulli, who will be responsible for designing and implementing strategies to strengthen awareness of the organization’s mission, deepen and expand relationships with supporters and community partners, and elevate the organization’s voice as a leader in dignified food access.
“We are fortunate to be part of a town that values community and looks out for one another. Although the challenges of our neighbors are increasing, we can tackle them together,” said Executive Director K. Brent Hill. “With our new Board at the helm, enhanced staff roles that will better serve our clients, volunteers, and partners, and a committed investment in marketing and communications, we’ll be well-positioned to meet the moment.”
Photo: Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor relies on volunteers to help with day-to-day tasks in the food pantry and to tend to its community gardens. They encourage you to stop by the pantry located at 248 East Putnam Avenue to see the work firsthand. Their business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
To learn more about volunteering or to make a donation, please visit www.ntngreenwich.org.
Photo: Neighbor to Neighbor
Photo: Neighbor to Neighbor