Farmington Community Chest Honored with Town Proclamation

Recognizing 95 Years of Community Service

Today, during the bi-annual Farmington Economic and Business Development Breakfast at the Farmington Polo Club, the Farmington Community Chest was honored with an official proclamation from the Town of Farmington recognizing the organization’s 95 years of service to the community.


Presented on May 13, 2026, the proclamation recognizes the Farmington Community Chest as “a cornerstone of the community since 1931” and honors the organization’s long-standing commitment to improving the health, educational opportunities, and overall quality of life for Farmington residents.


The proclamation also highlights the organization’s mission-driven work supporting programs that address basic human needs, strengthen families, and expand access to opportunity across the community. It acknowledges the lasting impact of the Farmington Community Chest through thoughtful stewardship, local partnerships, and continued investment in initiatives that benefit residents of all ages.


For organizations like the Farmington Community Chest, a proclamation is more than a ceremonial document. It is an official recognition from local government that acknowledges meaningful contributions to the community and the lasting impact of volunteer-driven service. Proclamations are used to honor organizations, milestones, and individuals whose work helps shape and strengthen a town’s identity and quality of life.


For nearly a century, the Farmington Community Chest has operated as a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting the evolving needs of Farmington and Unionville residents. From helping fund local social services and food assistance programs to supporting educational opportunities, youth initiatives, veterans services, and community life programs, the organization continues to serve as a local safety net and connector for the community.


“This proclamation really belongs to the entire Farmington community,” said Chris Andrews, President of the Farmington Community Chest. “For 95 years, neighbors, volunteers, local businesses, donors, and community partners have come together to support one another through the Farmington Community Chest. We are incredibly honored by this recognition and deeply grateful to be part of such a generous and compassionate town.”


The Farmington Community Chest extends its sincere thanks to the Town of Farmington for this recognition and to the countless residents, volunteers, donors, and partners who have made the organization’s work possible over the past 95 years.



As the organization looks ahead, the mission remains the same: neighbors helping neighbors and continuing to build a stronger, more connected Farmington community for future generations.

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It’s a quiet and pressing problem in Farmington—many families are struggling to feed themselves. And it’s why the Farmington Community Chest (FCC) has been a significant supporter of the Farmington Food Pantry. “Hunger may be less visible in Farmington than other communities, but it is still a reality for the many individuals and families who are unable to put enough food on the table,” said Amy Palumbo, president of FCC. Now one of FCC’s recent grants is having a profound impact. Christina Ramsay, president of the Farmington Food Pantry explained, “Our grant from FCC enabled us to purchase a commercial refrigerator and freezer. These large appliances mean we can now sustain and stockpile more food for the hungry. This has made a huge difference to our clients. We are thrilled, especially because the number of people we serve keeps growing.” There used to be a limit on items, such as meat, milk, yogurt, eggs and frozen goods, that the food pantry could store. Turning away food donations due to our limitations was frankly heartbreaking according to Ramsay. She added, “With the expanded refrigerated storage, the pantry is much better able to collect, store, and distribute food.” “FCC is really pleased with our grant’s impact. And there’s a lesson to be learned—meaningful things can be accomplished when local organizations collaborate and examine needs together,” said Amy Palumbo, president of FCC. FCC’s annual financial support of the Farmington Food Pantry helps nourish neighbors in need. Annual grants from FCC have helped broaden the reach of the pantry, according to Ramsay. Currently, 200 families from Farmington and Unionville depend on the pantry, which is located in Amistad Hall on Main Street. More than 30 people volunteer to keep the pantry’s complex gears operating. Volunteer Robin Balboni said, “We love the clients. We do everything we can to provide a confidential, respectful, and welcoming environment.” Ramsay said that the only thing the pantry knows about its clients is that they need our help. She explained that approximately 1,500 pounds of food are distributed on each of the seven days that the pantry is open every month. While FCC is a critical funder of the pantry, there are others. Ramsay emphasized that the pantry could not succeed without its long list of partners. Examples are Foodshare, Gifts of Love, Highland Park Market, Shop Rite of Bristol, and Stop and Shop. The pantry also receives fresh donations from Sub-Edge Farms, Hien Farms, Maple Hill Farms, and Jillybean’s Farmstand. “There is no understating the impact of our partners. Foodshare is essential, but each partner is literally helping to provide a food lifeline to people who are food insecure in our community,” said Ramsey. Details about when, where and how to access pantry help is found here: https://www.ffpct.org/

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It seems like a stretch to say that the efforts of a small non-profit like the Farmington Community Chest can potentially save lives. But FCC’s grant to the Farmington Fire Department to purchase thermal imaging cameras proves that FCC’s capacity to potentially save lives is no exaggeration. The new thermal imaging cameras mean that town firefighters now have the latest technology to find fire victims, identify a fire’s hotspots/spread, and target firefighting efforts and resources quickly and effectively. “The thermal cameras are life-saving,” says Russ Nelson, Fire Chief of the East Farms Station. Because the thermal imaging cameras measure heat, they can find people in a completely dark room. Nelson calls the cameras an innovation that the department couldn’t secure through the town’s budget process. But, he says, now he and his firefighting colleagues can “thrive” with the new technology provided by the thermal imaging cameras. On April 8, 2019, FCC President Amy Palumbo presented the $13,300.00 check that funds cameras for each of the town stations. “We know these cameras are indispensable. They should give town residents a new sense of security in the event of a fire. We also hope town residents, businesses, and others will see the FCC grant for this technology as an impetus to add FCC to their list of charitable giving.” Fire officials agree. “This gift from FCC should be resonating with town residents. It’s outstanding that their firefighters now have it. And it’s outstanding that the Farmington Community Chest is here to support all of us,” says Chief Nelson.