New CT food pantry to serve ‘overlooked’ community. It offers ‘communication accessible’ environment, tell me about this news in (https://www.courant.com/2026/09/14/new-ct-food-pantry-to-serve-overlooked-community-it-offers-communication-accessible-environment/)

The article highlights the opening of the Hartford Deaf Kitchen, a Deaf-led food pantry established to serve Connecticut’s Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing communitya group frequently overlooked by traditional assistance programs.Key Details of the Initiative:

• Location: Located on the campus of the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, Connecticut (in the Holt Building).
• Communication Accessibility: Unlike standard food pantries where Deaf individuals often face significant communication barrierssuch as navigating verbal instructions or complex intake paperworkthis pantry operates entirely in American Sign Language (ASL). Staff and volunteers communicate directly in ASL to provide an accessible, welcoming, and culturally supportive environment.
• Services Provided: The pantry offers free, nutritious groceries, fresh produce, and household staples.
• Low-Barrier Access: There are no strict income verifications, ID checks, or documentation requirements. Anyone identifying as part of the Deaf community in need of food assistance is welcome.
• Leadership and Background: Modeled after and partnered with the Rochester Deaf Kitchen, the West Hartford pantry is led by Pantry Manager Janeva Mosher, an ASL-first communicator recognized for advocacy in reducing food insecurity and expanding accessibility.

The initiative aims not only to address food insecurity across Connecticut, but also to ensure that accessing essential resources is dignified, equitable, and free of language barriers.