United Way Helps Access Community Action Agency Expand Mobile Pantry Across Windham Region 

Windham, Conn. (November 5, 2026) – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, together with its Windham Region Advisory Board, invested $30,000 to expand Access Community Action Agency’s mobile pantry, the organization’s food distribution service in Windham and Tolland counties. 

​​​​​“United Way is honored to support Access Agency’s efforts to reduce barriers to food access in the Windham area,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “This partnership showcases how we can align resources to deepen impact. With this investment, more Windham residents will be able to avoid the difficult choice between food and other basic necessities. It’s another step toward ending poverty in the 860 region.” 

Earlier this year, through 860Gives, United Way’s 48-hour online giving event, Access Agency raised more than $20,000, enabling the organization to restart its mobile food distribution service. The service had previously ended due to insufficient funding.  

“We are so grateful to United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and the Windham Region Advisory Board for their commitment to alleviating food insecurity in Northeast Connecticut,” said Emma King, Executive Director, Access Agency.  

​​​​​​​The mobile pantry currently serves 1,400​ ​individuals from more than 600 households across​​ eight sites in the area. With this award, Access Agency plans to expand its operations to 10 to 12 sites per month. 

“The Windham Region United Way Advisory Board is proud to be a hyperlocal advocate in our community,” said Angela Smart, ECM Application Analyst at Liberty Bank and Windham Region United Way Advisory Board Chair. ​“​We are a dedicated group of volunteers who work to identify specific community needs and pair those with opportunities that will help people move out of poverty for good.” ​​​​​​ 

Access Agency’s mobile food pantry provides individuals and families with fresh produce, dairy, snacks, fresh and frozen proteins, and other essentials and offers a shopper’s choice model, so people gain access to food with dignity and choice. 

“Strategic partnerships like these are how we rise to meet the growing needs of our communities. We are stronger when we work together, leveraging strengths and combining resources to maximize impact and sustainability,” said King.  

### 

About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut   
United Way mobilizes resources and aligns strategic partners to end poverty in the 860 region by closing gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy with the goal oa region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.        

About Access Community Action Agency  
Access Community Action Agency is the designated federal and state anti-poverty agency for northeastern Connecticut. Access provides food, affordable housing, job readiness services, and pathways to economic self-reliance for low-income families and individuals throughout the region. For more information, please visit: https://accessagency.org/ 

Media Contact: Anyeline Céspedes López | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | acespedes@unitedwayinc.org | 787.502.0436