Food in Service
to the Homebound
Feeding our homebound neighbors one delivery at a time
Mission of FISH
…is to deliver groceries to our homebound neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity.
Most FISH clients are older adults, individuals living with disabilities, and families facing circumstances that make it difficult to access traditional food resources—people for whom a weekly delivery can mean safety, stability, and dignity.
Powered by Volunteers
Our amazing team of volunteers is committed to helping us help others. Think you would be a good fit?
Join Us!
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Anyone with a caring heart and a little time can volunteer with FISH. Individuals, families, retirees, students, and workplace groups are all welcome. Whether you're looking for a one-time service activity or a regular commitment, there’s a place for you on the FISH team.
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FISH volunteers prepare and deliver groceries directly to the doors of neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Opportunities typically include packing bags, organizing donations, and/or completing a delivery route using your own vehicle. Time commitment is based on your availability.
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Volunteers are especially needed during weekday mornings and early afternoons, when food packing, organizing and deliveries take place. Seasonal surges—such as holidays or school breaks—also increase the need for helping hands. If you have flexibility, we can match you with high-impact times.
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Getting started is easy. Simply complete our FISH Volunteer Interest Form, and our team will contact you with upcoming opportunities, training information, and next steps. You choose how and when you can help, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
FISHistory
Founded in 1968, FISH has served the Greater New Haven community in various capacities for over 50 years. Over time, FISH has focused its mission to what it does best: delivering hope—and groceries—to homebound individuals through its signature Grocery Delivery Program.
Each month, FISH volunteers bring nutritious groceries directly to the doors of individuals and families who are unable to access traditional food resources due to age, illness, disability, or other barriers.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital program, FISH merged with New Reach on January 1, 2023. This partnership has strengthened our collective efforts to fight food insecurity in our region. FISH remains the only program in the state of Connecticut that delivers groceries directly to homebound residents—and in the past year alone, served 875 households.
The heart of FISH is its incredible volunteer network. More than 120 dedicated volunteers prepare and deliver over 2,500 bags of groceries each month, ensuring our neighbors are nourished and reminded that they are not alone.
FISH Client Stories
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"I have serious health issues and my husband is living with heart disease. Our family has been receiving FISH services for more than ten years. My teen age children and the whole rest of the family enjoy the fine selection of food we receive from FISH. Many thanks to FISH for their compassionate work"
Kathleen, FISH Client
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MARIA, 68, sought help in September 2023 due to severe osteoarthritis and type 1 diabetes, which made everyday tasks agonizing. Despite health issues, she always worked, but worsening conditions led to job loss when she could no longer commute by bus. Facing financial strain, Maria felt overwhelmed, and was physically unable to access food pantries. Connecting with FISH provides her with a monthly delivery of groceries, allowing her to focus on her health.
Maria, FISH Client
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JOHN, a FISH client since June 2020, cares for his bedridden, 90-year-old mother who is battling colon cancer. Despite severe mental health needs, he's described as easygoing by the FISH team. John and his mother depend on a caregiver three times a week. Without FISH, accessing nutritious food would be nearly impossible.
John, FISH Client