Learn About Our Work

About Us

Our Core Values

These are the things we believe in that will enable us to achieve our vision and mission.

DINE stands for:

Diversity: We believe that by embracing differences, including all voices, and joining forces we can make great strides towards a food secure community for all.

Integration: We believe that by integrating community services, together we can serve the whole person.

Nutrition: We believe in nutritious meals for ALL who need them, this is at the core of our values.

Excellence: We believe that we are accountable to the people we humbly serve. We must hold ourselves to the highest level of learning to alleviate hunger and build food security in our community.

Our Mission

The purpose and business of this non-membership and nonprofit corporation is to provide nutritious meals, and offer comfort, and hope for the future in an atmosphere of dignity and respect regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.  

Our Vision

To make a systemic impact by feeding the hungry today, and working to help build a healthy and equitable food system and community for all.

The NLCMC is committed to partnering with all sectors of the community to address the root cause of hunger and seek to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people experiencing food insecurity

NLCMC Stats

During just the first three quarters of 2021 the New London Community Meal Center served over 50,000 meals to residents of New London Count. This makes a difference, as 31,330 people in New London County were identified as food insecure by Feeding America.

Fun Fact: 
Patrons report that their favorite meals are tacos, burgers and shepherds pie!

Our Staff

Dr. MaryAnn Martinez

Executive Director
Dr. Martinez has a PhD in Leadership and change in Food Systems and dual Master’s degrees. In addition to education, she brings years of expertise in non-profit and local government. She also has a great deal of practical food systems experience from working in food hubs, restaurants, and as a vegetable and livestock farmer, in both for-profit and social enterprises. A former USA masters cycling and weightlifting champion, when not "directing" at the NLCMC or growing and selling for her cut flower business MaryAnn can usually be found in the woods with her dog Sid, or hanging out with family, friends, and pets.

Mark Mcquillar

Kitchen Manager
A graduate of OIC Culinary School Mark has been an employee of the New London Community Meal Center for 11-years. Mark started as a security person and when the former Kitchen Manager retired was promoted to that position. Mark has been a New London resident for the last 15-years, and currently resides in the city with his fiance. When he is not working Mark loves to read.

Eve Morissey

Food Access Coordinator

Cory Miller

Stewart/Kitchen Assistant

Evelyn McKelvin

Steward/Kitchen Assistant

Oscar Perez

Environmental Services Technician
Oscar has worked for the New London Community Meal Center for a total of 12 years. Oscar came back to the meal center part-time 4 years ago, and also works for OIC, the Opportunities Industrialization Center here in New London as well. Oscar grew up in Nicaragua but now lives in New London with his wife Doris. He has two grown children. A daughter who also lives in New London and a son who is in the Army stationed in Texas. Working two jobs Oscar does not have much free time, but when he does he enjoys watching TV, and especially likes boxing.

Board Officers

Linda Berard

Board President
Linda is currently an Assistant Branch Manager at Liberty Bank and has worked in the banking industry for 35 years.  She has been a volunteer at the meal center for many years.  Giving back to the community is important to her and when asked to join the board in 2016 she enthusiastically agreed.  She has always felt that food insecurity should be a top priority and works tirelessly to ensure that those in need of a meal can always come to the Meal Center. Linda lives in Waterford with her husband and two cats. In her spare time, Linda enjoys gardening and horseback riding.

Kate Griffith

Vice president
Bio coming soon!

Lois Chenard

Secretary
Lois retired from Pfizer after working for more than 20 years in drug discovery research. She was born and raised in Connecticut and has lived in Waterford for more than 30 years. She has a strong desire to give back to the community.  She's been an active participant in and contributor to local school groups, youth services, food banks, the Waterford Public Library, and the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Youth Orchestra.  Lois considers it a great privilege to serve as a board member of the Meal Center. She believes that food security with dignity and respect is a basic human right.

Nicole Davison

Treasurer
Bio coming soon!

Board Members

Kevin Booker Jr.

Director

Lee Palombo

Director

Elizabeth Highman

Director

Robin Brown

Board Member
Robin is such a busy person she has not had time to get us a bio. That's ok Robin just keep doing all you do ...especially representing the board on our new DEI committee

Arthur Lerner

Director
Bio coming soon!

Catherine Olokodana

Director
Bio coming soon!

Audrey Hopkins-Richardson

Director
Bio coming soon!

Our History

Originally the New London Community Meal Center (NLCMC) was called The Health and Welfare Community Ministries.

It was founded in1985 by Laurie Bellinger in association with The Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church of New London. She served as the dedicated executive director until her death in 1999. A year later Mount Olive Seventh Day Adventist Church turned over control to a non-member corporation governed by self-perpetuating Board of Directors, thereby facilitating uninterrupted food service to the community from 1985 through to the present day.

The NLCMC is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3).

Our Partners

Thanks so much to these organizations for their collaboration and support

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