Update: Mar 25, 2026 11:27AM
Waterbury– With Passover just eight days away, Stop & Shop has donated 2,000 pounds of kosher products to the Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury, supporting the school’s first in-school food pantry. The donation includes Passover staples such as matzo, grape juice, tomato sauce, potato starch, and other holiday essentials.
The donation was made possible through Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry Program and benefits the students and families of Yeshiva K’tana, located at 142 S. Elm Street. To further support families preparing for the holiday, Stop & Shop will host a Kosher Food Drive at its Waterbury stores at 240 Chase Avenue and 943 Wolcott Street from March 20 through March 27.
“It’s an honor to support the Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury Food Pantry with this donation of kosher products in advance of Passover,” said Marsheila Spruiell, Store Manager of Stop & Shop Wolcott. “Passover is a special time for families to come together, and we want to help make sure our neighbors have the items they need to celebrate the holiday.”
The Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury has grown significantly since its founding, now educating over 750 students ranging in age from 2 to 14. More than 58% of the students qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch, making this donation particularly impactful.
“We are truly fortunate to have a food pantry in our school that provides essential Passover items for our families,” said Rabbi Brecher, Principal at Yeshiva K’tana. “Having access to these necessities ensures that every student can celebrate the holiday with dignity and happiness.”
Local and state leaders also praised Stop & Shop for the contribution. Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski, Jr., State Senator Joan Hartley, and State Representative Ronald A. Napoli Jr. all highlighted the donation as an example of community partnership and support for families.
Stop & Shop currently supports over 280 school food pantries across its five-state footprint, serving more than 43,000 students and families monthly. In Connecticut, the company partners with 63 schools, supporting 52 pantries, and has donated over $1 million to school food pantry initiatives statewide since 2019.
For more information about Stop & Shop’s School Food Pantry program, visit stopandshop.com/pages/school-food-pantry-program.
***original reporting***
The Waterbury Times|Published Mar 23, 2026
Stop & Shop Donates 2,000 Pounds of Kosher Food to Waterbury Yeshiva Ahead of Passover
Eight days before Passover, community leaders and educators in Waterbury will come together for a meaningful show of support for local families.
On Tuesday, March 24 at 11 a.m., Paul K. Pernerewski Jr. and State Senator Joan Hartley will join Rabbi Yehuda Brecher, principal of Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury, as the school receives a 2,000-pound donation of kosher food from Stop & Shop.
The donation will support the school’s in-house food pantry, where students will take part in packing kosher items for themselves and their families ahead of the holiday.
Supporting Students and Families
Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury serves students ages 2 to 14, with more than 58% qualifying for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch. The donation is expected to benefit over 150 students and their families, helping ensure access to essential kosher foods not only for Passover but throughout the school year.
Items included in the donation feature staple holiday products such as matzo, grape juice, tuna, oils, sauces, and other kosher pantry essentials.
A Broader Commitment
Stop & Shop currently supports more than 280 school food pantries across five states, reaching over 43,000 students and families each month.
In Connecticut alone, the company partners with 63 schools and supports 52 food pantries, contributing more than $1 million to school food pantry programs since 2019.
Building on a History of Support
This latest donation continues an ongoing partnership between Stop & Shop and Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury.
In September 2025, ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Stop & Shop donated $10,000 in gift cards to help launch the school’s in-house food pantry. The contribution marked a significant step in expanding access to food for students and families, laying the foundation for continued support initiatives like the one seen today.
Event Details
- What: Kosher food donation and student packing event ahead of Passover
- When: Tuesday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury, 142 S. Elm Street, Waterbury
The event will include remarks from local officials, opportunities for interviews, and hands-on participation from students preparing food packages for their households.
Waterbury Community Events-
A Familiar Location in Waterbury
The home of Yeshiva K’tana of Waterbury may be new to some, but the building itself holds deep roots in the community.
The school is located in the former Sacred Heart High School, a well-known institution that served generations of Waterbury students before its closure.
Today, the space continues its legacy of education—now serving a new generation of students and families while remaining a recognizable landmark for many in the city.
Get Involved in Waterbury
Moments like this highlight the power of community across Waterbury—and the role each of us can play in supporting local families.
Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply sharing information, small actions continue to make a big difference throughout the city.
This season, The Waterbury Times is committed to spotlighting opportunities that matter—from food drives and school initiatives to grassroots efforts happening in neighborhoods every day.
Stay connected with The Waterbury Times for ongoing coverage of local charity events and ways to get involved throughout the spring.
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