Filling in the Blanks: The Mobile Pantry

By: Yesenia Ramos

Photo credit: fillingintheblanks.org

When two moms learned that 32,000 children were going home hungry on the weekends, they decided that they wanted to do something. For both the children and their families. In 2013, Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer created Filling in the Blanks, a non-profit with the goal to provide for low-income households. They have since then reached Fairfield, Westchester, and Putnam Counties with over 200 sites. In 2024 alone, Filling in the Blanks served 1 million meals.  Some of their programs include, “The Weekend Meal Program,” “In School Pantries,”  “Holiday Backpacks,” and one of their current most popular programs, “The Mobile Pantry.”

The Mobile Pantry distributes food/groceries to families in low-income neighborhoods. These groceries provide 40lbs of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products ensuring a healthy meal at the table with zero cost associated. Filling in the Blanks purchases 99% of their food relying on donors and donations. Alongside these groceries, there are a number of wellness services that attend. After interviewing Co-Founder Shawnee Knight, she states that they “Are always evolving and improving their [our] program, reaching new donors, and serving more students.”

In Fairfield County, the Mobile Pantry is located in Norwalk, Stamford, and Bridgeport. Once a month these communities receive fresh groceries to take home. Each community alone reaches over 400 families! The Mobile Pantry is made possible by the amazing Filling in the Blanks staff and their incredible volunteers! This program takes place on the following days:

• Norwalk: Every SECOND Saturday of the month

Location: 6 Soundview Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854

• Stamford: Every THIRD Saturday of the month

• Location: 11 W North Street, Stamford, CT 06902

• Bridgeport: Every FOURTH Saturday of the month

• Location: 479 Helen Street, Bridgeport, CT 06608

In the winter season, Filling in the Blanks made sure to not let the weather affect the Mobile Pantry, switching the pantry from outdoors to indoors. Rain or shine, cold or warm weather, Filling in the Blanks has done everything to ensure these groceries go home every month. They take every aspect into consideration and are always taking suggestions and finding new ways to improve the Mobile Pantry experience for all families. 

Speaking to Co-Founder and Co-President Shawnee Knight was a privilege. Getting to know the story on how both Co-Founders and Co-Presidents Knight and Kramer have used food assistance programs at some point in their lives with the desire to give back. When asking Knight what their biggest “Wow” moment was she stated, ” The Mobile Pantry has been the biggest WOW moment for us, being able to reach so many people in the community, not only offering them food but valuable health and wellness services with our community providers.” Seeing and being a part of the Mobile Pantry team has been enlightening. If you are someone looking to volunteer your time, please look into doing so. If you are someone who knows someone who can use this information regarding the Mobile Pantry, please spread the word and share this article. And to end this article on The Mobile Pantry, Knight says “ Thank you for trusting Filling in the Blanks, we are here to help and support the community and the families we serve!”

For more information click HERE