The $10,000 Food Caravan - 2025
 
WH Rotary Helps Ease Food Insecurity
 
 
First, the bad news: Food insecurity in our community is a bigger problem every year. Despite all of the wealth in our country, many of our neighbors do not have enough food to eat, let alone money to purchase basic supplies like toilet paper and toothpaste.
 
Now, the good news: The Food Caravan is just one way that our Club helps to support our community and our neighbors. In conjunction with the Conard High Interact Club, we loaded and transported $10,000 worth of groceries from COSTCO in New Britain, to the West Hartford Food Pantry located in Town Hall. Leading the Caravan over the five mile route was a police escort by West Hartford's finest
 
Monies raised from our recent Vines of March Gala and a grant from Rotary District 7890 were used to fund the purchase. What does $10,000 buy? Only 935 Items!
 
It may sound like a lot, but depending on the season, this only represents a three-week supply of what folks in our Town need to get by. And "The Town that Cares Food Pantry" is just one of many groups helping the need in our area.
 
Rotary's global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. And you are welcome to join us!
 
More information is scattered all around this page. We meet most Mondays at The Pond House Cafe in Elizabeth Park (12:15 PM). The schedule is below. 
 
Or, contact our Club President, Diane Barber: dianewbarber@gmail.com
 
Three Shipping Palettes of Food and Supplies were Delivered to West Hartford Town Hall
Members of Conard High's Interact Club, the Rotary Club of West Hartford, and West Hartford Police Load $10,000 Worth of Supplies for the Food Pantry.
Even Just a Few People working Together Can Make a Difference in the World
WH Rotary Funds Literacy Program!
 
On May 1, the Rotary Club of West Hartford proudly presented a check for $2,299.50 to local author Daniel Howell, supporting his unique in-school reading initiative featuring his children’s book, The Four Bees – Bee 4 Goodnight.  The donation—part of over $5,000 raised and 1,500 books collected during the club’s 11th annual book drive—will bring books and author visits to seven Greater Hartford elementary schools throughout the month of May. 
 

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor (a long-time member of the Rotary Club) attended the presentation held in celebration of this impactful collaboration. Howell’s “Buzz Buggy” program will deliver 210 books and provide in-person readings, introducing young students to joyful bedtime routines through an imaginative world of bees in a hive-based economy—called the “Bee-Conomy.”

“We’re thrilled to bring our book drive back for its 11th year—and even more excited to see the funds go directly into classrooms through Daniel’s meaningful work,” said Bennett Forrest, Rotarian and event chair. “Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we’ve raised the bar this year—and we’re not done yet. It was especially sweet to have my daughter Jillian Forrest cochair this event as part of her upcoming bat mitzvah project.”

The 2024 drive was anchored by a new in-person event, Bowling for Books, held last December at Lessard Lanes. Participants could donate books, contribute online, bowl as a team, or sponsor a bowler. The result was a record-setting year for both funds and donations. Another check presentation to a separate literacy partner is planned in the coming weeks.

This year’s effort was made possible through partnerships with The Miale Team at Keller Williams Realty, Memento Works, Lessard Lanes, King Philip Middle School, and Aiken Elementary School

  To learn more or get involved in future drives, visit:
📚 westhartfordrotary.org/bowlingforbooks
📞 Contact: Bennett Forrest, Event Chair – 860-977-3176

Feeney Talks With Rotary Friends!
 
Kyle Egress, President Elect Patrice Taffe and Victor Gonzales talk about WH Rotary with Eric Feeney on his Podcast.
This is not to be missed!  Enjoy it!