Governor Rell: State’s Care & Share Food Drive

To Benefit Thousands This Holiday Season

State Employee Holiday Drive

Delivers 4.5 tons of food, $28,000 in Cash

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that state employees made the 26^TH annual Governor’s Care and Share Holiday Food Drive one of the most successful to date. State agencies collected more than four tons of non-perishable food and contributed $28,348 in cash donations – more than twice last year’s cash total – to benefit Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank.

            “This outpouring of generosity from our state employees will touch thousands of lives and help feed families struggling in this economy,” the Governor said. “Connecticut employees embodied the spirit of the holidays by stepping up in a big way to help those who need a hand this year. It is truly an inspiring gesture of kindness and charity and I could not be more proud of each and every one of them.”

            This year’s food drive also featured the first ever Care & Share charity volleyball tournament on December 9 at the William O’Neill Armory. Twenty-one state agencies fielded 32 teams and raised $8,000 for the campaign.

Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare, the state’s two largest food pantries and distribution organizations, estimate that a $5 donation can feed five adults for a day and a $10 donation can serve two senior citizens for five days. Both organizations say they have seen an increase in the number of people asking for help, many of whom were relying on food pantries for the first time.

“With demand for food assistance up 30 percent in our service area it is heartening to know that Connecticut’s dedicated public servants are willing to give so generously,” said Foodshare President Gloria McAdam. “Foodshare is grateful to Governor Rell, her staff and all the state employees who made this year’s Care & Share program a success”

            “Every holiday season we look forward to the Governors Care & Share program. It is a wonderful demonstration of the compassion and generosity of our state employees and public officials,” said Connecticut Food Bank Executive Director Nancy L. Carrington.

            For more information on Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank:

www.ctfoodbank.org

www.foodshare.org