Supporter Spotlight: Molly Devanney
Molly Devanney is a tireless advocate for her neighbors across Connecticut and in her own hometown of Manchester.
As an experienced food industry professional, owner of Highland Park Market stores, professor at CT State – Manchester, and Board Member of Connecticut Foodshare, Molly credits her father, Tim Devanney, with instilling “giving back” as the norm, and she is absolutely living that legacy.
In the early years of her involvement at the food bank, Molly worked with the culinary students and leadership at CT State – Manchester to implement Empty Bowls, a global fundraising initiative to fight hunger, but stayed laser-focused on how they could help their local neighbors facing food insecurity. This fundraiser has become a beloved annual October tradition in the Hartford area and is a major source of donations to Connecticut Foodshare. “Any time you can start with students contributing and then see them become engaged with Connecticut Foodshare…now they’re volunteering, and they continue to carry on that legacy of giving back, I think it’s great.”
Molly is clearly in her element when she is rolling up her sleeves, diving in, and doing whatever work is necessary. During the early days of the pandemic, she started volunteering at a Connecticut Foodshare mobile food pantry in Manchester and invited her aunt Maureen to join her.
“You’re totally in touch with the people we are doing the work for. I’m glad my aunt started volunteering with Connecticut Foodshare because it gives her some purpose and meaning. Everybody needs that…I think it’s important to thank the volunteers…people need food, and we’re there no matter what.”
She reflects on her time with Connecticut Foodshare. “It’s really come full circle for me. I’ve enjoyed every minute. It’s really been a great, great experience being involved with Connecticut Foodshare. I think to be a responsible board member is to get involved, to be hands on.”
Molly’s advice to people who might want to support Connecticut Foodshare as a donor or volunteer? “Every little bit makes a difference. It’s so impactful how many people you feed and help…you’re taking care of your community. And there is something really special about that.”
