The Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program was created in 1983 to supplement the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance. This collaborative effort between the private and public sectors has provided over $3.4 billion in Federal funds during its 27-year history.
WHEAT was founded by local church leaders in 1975 as a central place where needy residents could receive nonperishable food.
Although WHEAT receives between 15 to 20 percent of its funds from the federal government, the remainder of the charity's operating budget comes from private donors and foundations.
The agency offers canned goods and dry food to needy adults and families as long as they can prove that they live in West Haven. Needy residents can receive groceries four times in one year and a holiday basket for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
