Need help with food, prescriptions, health insurance or health and human services? Connecticut’s “Rx Express” bus is coming to Avon and Canton during the month of May, thanks to Avon United Way and the Avon and Canton town Social Services departments. This volunteer-led project is part of United Way's work to help local people make ends meet.

The Rx Express bus is part of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. Staff on the bus can screen you for eligibility and help you enroll for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps), Medicare and HUSKY insurance. You can also learn more about services like the Medicare Part B Supplemental and Part D Prescription programs. The bus is fully handicapped accessible, and there are booths on the bus so you can discuss your situation with privacy. All services are free.

The Rx Express bus will stop at:

Avon – Church of Saint Ann, 289 Arch Road
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to noon
Free fruits and vegetables will also be available during this time through Foodshare and the town food pantry.
For more information, contact:  Alan Rosenberg, Avon Social Services Director, at (860) 409-4346. 

Canton - Community Center, 40 Dyer Avenue
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The town food pantry is nearby and will also be open at this time. Please park in the lower level at the back. 
For more information, contact:  Claire Cote, Director of Senior Center and Social Services for the Town of Canton, at (860) 693-5811 X165, or ccote@townofcantonct.org.

If you would like to apply for SNAP, please be sure to bring along: a photo ID, a copy of your rent or mortgage expenses, proof of your earned income (most recent pay stubs for 4 consecutive weeks or 2 consecutive bi-weekly pay stubs), and any other supporting information you may have, such as an SSI budget sheet or records of your unemployment compensation or child support payments.

Avon-Canton United Way is part of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, which has been meeting local human care needs since 1924 in 40 towns across central and northeastern Connecticut. To learn more about United Way's work in Avon and Canton and how you can get involved, please contact Alison Keller at (860) 493-1107.