Governor Rell: More than 28 Tons of Food Collected

During Saturday’s “Day of Caring & Compassion”

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Saturday’s “Day of Caring & Compassion” collected more than 28 tons of food at the 15 fire stations designated as the collection centers throughout Connecticut.

“The goal of the statewide food drive was to replenish the state’s food banks and food pantries for the holidays, especially as the number of people seeking food-assistance has increased by over 30 percent from last year,” Governor Rell said.  “I am proud to say that thousands of Connecticut residents and visitors rose to the challenge and showed how much they care about their friends, family and neighbors struggling with keeping enough food on their tables.”

Saturday’s collection represents more than 44,000 meals statewide, according to Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare, the two regional food banks serving the state.

“The food donations will help immensely during this holiday season,” Governor Rell said. “On behalf of our fire departments and our food pantries, I thank everyone for their generosity and their compassion.”

Throughout Connecticut, fire department officials and representatives of food pantries reported the great outpouring of support and donations from their towns and cities:

·        In West Haven, thanks to the efforts of local school children, the West Shore Fire Department collected more than 4 tons of food.

·        In Middletown, 20,000 pounds of food were collected with the help of Wesleyan University students and parents during the university’s parents’ weekend. The South Fire Department in Middletown also contributed to the final total by conducting a “Stuff-a-Fire-Truck” campaign outside a local grocery store.

·        In Old Saybrook, fire officials reported that people were dropping off food before the firehouse opened its doors to officially collect the donations. Volunteer firefighters collected food with the help of the local Junior Girl Scouts troop. The food was donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries, a member program of Connecticut Food Bank.

“No one was just bringing one item,” said Max Sabrin, a spokesman for the Old Saybrook Fire Department, which collected about 2,300 pounds of food. “One van pulled up and the driver just came from BJ’s and he donated cases and cases of string beans and corn. I was totally taken aback by it.”

Connecticut Food Bank Executive Director Nancy L. Carrington called the success of Saturday’s food drive a testament of the generosity of Connecticut’s residents.

“The success of this food drive has re-energized us as we approach the holiday season. The overwhelming generosity that was shown on Saturday demonstrates Connecticut’s long and proud tradition of neighbors helping neighbors,” Carrington said. “We want to especially thank Governor Rell for lending her support and calling attention to the problem of hunger in Connecticut and raising the public awareness at a critical time. The increased demand has put a great strain on our network of food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, and we cannot feed people in need without the support of the public.”

“Foodshare is thankful for the support of everyone who contributed to making the Connecticut Day of Caring and Compassion a success,” Foodshare Special Projects Coordinator John Phillips-Sandy said.  “Public support of our local partner agencies helps to keep the shelves stocked during this very difficult time. With need higher than ever, the Day of Caring and Compassion was a wonderful reminder of the generosity of the people of Connecticut.”

A sampling of results by collection point is as follows:

• Berlin: 3,120 pounds
• Danbury: 700 pounds
• Enfield: 2,875 pounds
• Fairfield: 500 pounds
• Middletown: 20,000 pounds
• North Windham: 1,500 pounds
• Norwich: 1,500 pounds
• Old Saybrook: 2,300 pounds
• Torrington: 4,000 pounds
• Vernon: 2,400 pounds
• Waterbury: 2,000 pounds
• West Hartford: 1,800 pounds
• West Haven: 8,000 pounds
• Westport: 3,000 pounds
• Willimantic: 4,000 pounds

For more information on how to help and donate, visit www.ctfoodbank.org or www.foodshare.org.