St. John’s Family Center
A non-profit and non-denominational organization serving Bridgeport and the surrounding community.
SJFC delivers essential local services at no cost, including a community food pantry, a weekly soup kitchen and a clothing closet.
Our Mission in nonprofit Community Outreach
St. John’s Family Center is the principal nonprofit community outreach arm of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Our mission is to develop and coordinate critical resources that empower at-risk individuals and families in the Greater Bridgeport community. Through free, accessible programs including nutritional aid, clothing assistance, and youth educational initiatives, we strive to reduce poverty, provide stability, and foster a more supportive, resilient community for everyone.
Through our Community Pantry, hot meals, and seasonal outreach, we provide practical support to families facing hardship. Whether someone needs groceries for the week or a hot meal , they can count on us to provide compassion, consistency, and care.
Built upon two decades of service and expanded in recent years to meet growing needs, our programs are designed to ensure no one in our community goes hungry or feels forgotten.
Families Face
Food Insecurity
More than 516,000
(1 in 7) Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 122,000 (1 in 6) children
are food insecure.
These are people from all walks of life – children, working parents, seniors, or people living with disabilities.
Homelessness
Bridgeport accounts for roughly 40% of Fairfield County's homeless population, with approximately 350 individuals experiencing homelessness locally. Driven by a 22.9% poverty rate and rent spikes, homelessness disproportionately affects seniors and low-income residents.
Grocery prices
Bridgeport, CT grocery prices are roughly 5% higher than the national average. A typical Bridgeport household spends about $695 per month (or $8,340 annually) for a single adult, and up to $1,829 per month (or $21,948 annually) for a family of four, reflecting the impact of recent inflation.
What we Offer
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Food Pantry offering fresh produce, dry goods, dairy, meat, toiletries, and hygiene products (open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
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Hot Meals & Dining Room serving nutritious meals on-site every Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m.
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Thanksgiving , an annual outreach event serving over 400 families in Bridgeport with turkeys and full holiday food packages.
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Diaper Program, providing 14–28 diapers per child each week (operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
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Free Clothing where families can choose from donated clothing, shoes, and essentials free of charge (operates weekly on Tuesday's from 5 to 6pm)
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Seasonal Drives & Back-to-School Support, including distribution of school supplies, and other seasonal necessities
Who We Serve
Our Outreach Programs are here for anyone in need. We welcome:
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Low-income families struggling to afford groceries and household basics
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Parents and caregivers in need of diapers and children’s supplies
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Individuals without stable access to hot meals
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Families seeking clothing, shoes, and seasonal support
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Residents in underserved neighborhoods
We serve anyone experiencing hardship due to unemployment, underemployment, homelessness, or unexpected financial challenges. Our mission is to provide people with help and hope.
Get Involved
Our Impact in 2025
5,305
meals distributed with an average weekly attendance of 86 guests at community supper
1,220
bundles of diapers and supplies donated to families in need with infants and toddlers
200+
Christmas gifts and 175 backpacks with school supplies given to area children
120
visitors to our clothes closet and 194 households served at the food pantry weekly