More Donations Needed this Thanksgivng

Our “Thanksgiving for All” campaign is under way with special events, food drives and fundraisers to help individuals and families in need of food assistance during the holiday season and the cold winter months that follow.

The turkeys and “trimmings” collected will be distributed by Connecticut Food Bank to food-assistance programs in the days before Thanksgiving. The funds will be used to buy more holiday food and for the distribution of the donated food throughout Connecticut. Last weekend’s Stuff-a-Bus food drive sponsored by Unilever at the Silver Sands Stop & Shop in Milford yielded 1,600 pounds of food.

Last year, we distributed enough turkeys and trimmings to provide an estimated 790,000 meals for people in need during the holiday season. This year, every food and fund drive is critical, not only to collect food and funds, but to increase awareness about the ongoing problem of hunger and poverty that many Connecticut residents continue to face. One out of every seven households in Connecticut is struggling to keep food on the table.

You can watch our President & CEO Nancy L. Carrington on News 8 today, talking about the need this Thanksgiving.

CT Food Bank in need of donations: wtnh.com

“Thanksgiving for All 2011” Food Drive events include:

• 99.1 WPLR “Phil the Bowl” Food Drive. November 16 -18. Donate 10 non-perishables, a frozen turkey or $10 and receive two tickets to the Yale vs. Harvard game on Saturday, November 19, kick off at noon. WPLR is broadcasting live throughout the drive. Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Big Y, 345 Washington Avenue, North Haven.

• “Star 99.9 Food for Friends. November 17, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Star 99.9 is collecting non-perishables, frozen turkeys and financial donations to support Connecticut Food Bank!
Stop & Shop, Orange, 259 Bull Hill Lane
Stop & Shop, Shelton, 898 Bridgeport Avenue
Stop & Shop, Westport, 1790 Post Road East

• KC 101 Stuff-a-Bus. November 18 & 19. Collecting frozen turkeys, non-perishables and financial donations. Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ShopRite Plaza, 2100 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden

• WATR Big Heart at Big Y. November 18 & 19. Collecting frozen turkeys, non-perishables and financial donations. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Big Y, 85 Bridge Street, Naugatuck

• “Fill the Bowl” at Yale Bowl. Saturday, November 19. Presented by News 8, 99.1WPLR and Yale Athletics. Support Connecticut Food Bank by donating a frozen turkey or non-perishables and receive 2 tickets to the Yale vs. Harvard game! Collection takes place when gates open until halftime. Kick-off at noon. Yale Bowl, 250 Derby Avenue, New Haven.

• Radio 104.1 Friends of Maze Food Drive. November 20 & 21. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Connecticut Food Bank and friends at Radio 104.1 will be collecting non-perishables, frozen turkeys and cash donations. ShopRite, 846 North Colony Road, Wallingford.

• i95 Camping for Cans. Monday, November 21 – 23, 5 to 10 a.m., Stop & Shop, 72 Newtown Rd., Danbury

Connecticut Food Bank Fund Drives include:

• Check Out Hunger. Price Chopper, ShopRite and Balducci’s stores through November 30. Add a $1, $3 or $5 donation tag to your grocery bill and the funds will be donated to Connecticut Food Bank.

• Food for Friends. Stop & Shop stores through December 8. Add a $1, $3 or $5 donation tag to your grocery bill and the funds will be donated to help those in need!

In addition, Connecticut Food Bank warehouses in East Haven, Fairfield and Waterbury will have extended holiday hours to accept food and monetary donations from the public. Visit www.ctfoodbank.org for holiday hours and directions.

Those unable to get to a food drive may donate a turkey or other items at Connecticut Food Bank’s Virtual Food Drive at http://www.ctfoodbank.org.
For event or warehouse information call (203) 469-5000 or visit http://www.ctfoodbank.org.

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Connecticut Food Bank 2011 Hunger Action Heroes Honored

Connecticut Food Bank recently honored our Hunger Action Heroes at an awards ceremony attended by more than 100 at our East Haven warehouse. The heroes are individuals, businesses and organizations that go above and beyond to support Connecticut Food Bank in its mission to alleviate hunger in Connecticut. The ceremony is held annually in September, designated as Hunger Action Month.

“You are our heroes in many ways, but more importantly you are our inspiration, making a difference in the lives of the men, women and children who depend on us for food,” Connecticut Food Bank President & CEO Nancy L. Carrington told the honorees. “We thank you for your extraordinary service on behalf of our mission to alleviate hunger in Connecticut.”

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro was presented with The Bill Liddell Award – the highest tribute paid by Connecticut Food Bank to an individual, organization or corporation in recognition of exemplary service, ongoing dedication and significant support of the Food Bank and its mission. The award was named after Bill Liddell who supported the Food Bank by donating a total of 104 tons of fresh produce, as well as time and funds. He spent six years on Connecticut Food Bank’s Board of Directors.

“Since her election to Congress in 1990, Rosa DeLauro is one of the strongest voices in for local, national and global hunger relief efforts,” said Carrington. ”We are grateful for her tireless work to help those who face the struggles of food insecurity.”

Other 2011 Connecticut Food Bank Hunger Action Heroes are:
• Carl Asikainen: Advocacy Hero
• A-1 Toyota: Business Hero
• Junior League of Greater New Haven: Civic Hero
• Walmart: Corporate Hero
• Anthony DiBenedetto, Hallock Orchard (Washington Depot): Farm Hero
• ShopRites of Hamden, Milford, Stratford and West Haven: Fundraising Hero
• Ocean State Job Lot: Food Industry Hero
• Michael Maze: Media Hero
• Waterbury’s Evangelical Christian Church: Member Program Hero
• Sam Greco: Student Hero
• Jeremy Titus: Volunteer Hero

In addition, Connecticut Food Bank recognized top individual and team fundraisers who participated in the annual Walk Against Hunger, held in New Haven, Bridgeport and Waterbury. Those events raised more than $240,000 to support hunger-relief efforts in Connecticut.

A-1 Toyota received Connecticut Food Bank’s Business Hunger Action Hero Award.

Michael Maze receives the Media Hunger Action Hero Award from Connecticut Food Bank’s Events & Promotions Coordinator Stefanie Stevens.

A-1 Toyota received Connecticut Food Bank's Business Hunger Action Hero Award.

Michael Maze receives the Media Hunger Action Hero Award from Connecticut Food Bank's Events & Promotions Coordinator Stefanie Stevens.

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Turning Kilowatts into Kindness – One Scoop at a Time

To kick off the summer season and give back to the local community, Fairfield’s own Gofer Ice Cream is hosting a “Kilowatts to Kindness” ice cream social in partnership with North American Power on Sunday, June 26, from 2-4 p.m. at Gofer Ice Cream of Fairfield (The Brick Walk – 1241 Post Road). Aside from appealing to those with a sweet tooth, the tasty social has a larger goal – helping to alleviate hunger. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the ice cream sales will be donated to Connecticut Food Bank.

“Doing good for the community is very important to us here at Gofer ice cream,” said owner Jay Ragusa. “We’re delighted that we can make an impact in the lives of Connecticut residents in need.”

Ragusa has taken giving back one step further, helping his customers extend their giving to Connecticut Food Bank by switching their energy supplier to North American Power (www.napower.com), a South Norwalk-based company that helps non-profit organizations leverage the power of perpetual fundraising with their innovative philanthropic programs. For every customer who switches to North American Power through Connecticut Food Bank’s dedicated web site (www.napower.com/CTFoodBank), North American Power will donate $5 to the organization. Plus, for every supporter who signs on, North American Power will continue monthly donations based on the customer’s kilowatt usage.

“Giving back to the greater good is something that has always been part of our company’s core mission and our fundraising programs give customers the chance to support their favorite organizations by building philanthropy into everyday spending,” said North American Power CEO Kerry Breitbart. “For supporters of Connecticut Food Bank, the simple act of paying their monthly electric bill can make a huge impact in the fight against hunger in Connecticut.”

The “Kilowatts to Kindness” ice cream social is open to the entire community and will feature live music from local musician Kristin Errett, face painting for the kids, green vendors and the opportunity to learn about the new fundraising initiative to benefit Connecticut Food Bank. This event is sponsored by Gofer Ice Cream of Fairfield, CT, in partnership with North American Power to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank

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More than 500 take part in Greater New Haven Walk Against Hunger

Connecticut Food Bank’s 35th Annual Greater New Haven Walk Against Hunger on May 1 presented by Webster Bank exceeded expectations, with a record number of walkers coming out to help alleviate hunger in Connecticut. Thank you to all the walkers, member programs and volunteers who made the event one of the most successful ever! We know many enjoyed the walk, music, food and lawn games on a spectacular Sunday afternoon in May!

Congratulations to the Greater New Haven Spirit Award winners:

Best Team Name: UNH Strawberry Striders
Best Team Costume: Fabulous Females for Food
Best Team Spirit: Master’s Manna of Wallingford

And special thanks to New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Miss Connecticut Junior Preteen Mikayla Raffone and John Voket from 99.1 WPLR for helping to rally the crowd before they hit the pavement. Check out Walk photos donated by Stefanie Kapra of Photography and More on Connecticut Food Bank’s Facebook page. We’re looking forward to two more successful events this month:

• 2nd Annual Greater Bridgeport Walk Against Hunger, Sunday, May 15, Seaside Park, Bridgeport
• 6th Annual Greater Waterbury Walk Against Hunger, Sunday, May 22, Library Park, Waterbury

Registration is at 1 p.m. and the Walks get under way rain or shine at 2 p.m. Register your team today at www.ctfoodbank.org/walkagainsthunger and help feed your neighbors in need. You can download a Registration Form and Walk poster. Can’t make the Walk dates? You can register as a Spirit Walker.

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“That’s a lot of salad dressing!” — Paul L. Newman

Connecticut Food Bank's van provided by the Newman's Own Foundation.

At last week’s “Over the Moon Celebration,” Tom Brokaw reminded all of us of a famous line from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Brokaw added that both Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward lived by these words every day.

And what they’ve done for our country – and the world — is pretty amazing.

It was at this same celebratory party in New York City that Newman’s Own announced that it surpassed the $300 million mark in charitable giving, as Joanne Woodward distributed another $1.4 million dollars in charitable contributions to 14 organizations including Feeding America.

The evening’s event was co-chaired by Joanne Woodward Newman and Clea Newman Soderlund, Paul and Joanne Newman’s youngest daughter.

In addition to supporting Feeding America, Newman’s Own Foundation has been a strong supporter of Connecticut Food Bank, providing a van and annual grants to support our programs.

“When people would thank Paul for his charitable giving, he would always reply that he didn’t think he was doing anything special,” said Robert Forrester, president of Newman’s Own Foundation. “He believed that the real thanks should go to those people who work every day to make ours and the future’s a better world. For Paul, it was a privilege to be just one among these many.”

Connecticut Food Bank thanks the Newman and Woodward family and all the people at Newman’s Own and the Newman’s Own Foundation for their support.

View NBC Connecticut’s great coverage of the event here.

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Adam Cherry: An MVP in Our Eyes

As we head into another exciting World Series showdown, it’s worth highlighting a young baseball player from Southbury who is an MVP in our eyes.

Adam Cherry, 18, of Southbury spent his last two seasons at Pomperaug High School using his pitching arm to “Strike Out Hunger.” Adam is now attending LaSalle University in Philadelphia, where he received a scholarship to play with the Division 1 baseball team.

Two yeas ago, Adam wanted to help people in need, but he didn’t initially know how. So he turned to what he knew best: pitching baseball.

He married his passion for baseball with his desire to help people and came up with his own unique fundraiser to benefit Connecticut Food Bank. He collected monetary pledges for every batter he struck out during the 2009 season for the Pomperaug Panthers’ varsity baseball team.

“I want to do something good for the community. I want to help people who are less fortunate,” Adam said after he pitched his idea to Connecticut Food Bank. “The economy is not great right now and I want to help people get through this.”

Adam’s parents, Maryanne and Jonathan, have always encouraged Adam and his younger brother, David, to give back to the community

In 2009, Adam logged 50 strikeouts during the Panthers’ season, raising $3,570 for the Food Bank.

Adam again hit the mound for Connecticut Food Bank in 2010 with a repeat of his “Strike Out Hunger” campaign.

“I would like to improve on what we started (in 2009). We’ve only just begun, we just scratched the surface,” Adam said before the 2010 spring season began. “I’ve seen so many people who are less fortunate through my various travels. Even some of my friends’ parents need help because they got laid off from their jobs.”

In 2010, as he and his team brought home the state championships for Pomperaug, Adam struck out 67 batters—17 more than in 2009—and raised another $4,757 for Connecticut Food Bank.

Overall, Adam raised more than $8,000—equivalent to more than 28,000 meals for people in need. And it all started with a young man’s desire to help.

Posted by Gladys Alcedo, Communications Coordinator of Connecticut Food Bank

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Peapod: Refer-a-Friend/Feed the Hungry Program

Earlier this month, we received a wonderful gift from Peapod, an online grocer that serves Connecticut.

From June 17 through Aug. 12, Peapod, through its summer Refer-a-Friend Charity Program, agreed to contribute $10 for every new referred customer up to a campaign maximum of $25,000. Those that referred and tried the service for the first time also earned a $10 discount for their own grocery orders.

As a result of the community effort, 11 food banks received a $25,000 gift overall. Of those funds, Connecticut Food Bank received $2,912.

Thank you Peapod for your ongoing support of our mission to alleviate hunger.

Posted by Janet Kniffin, Chief Development Officer of Connecticut Food Bank

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A Bake-off to FIGHT HUNGER in September

Editor’s Note: Today’s blog entry features a post from a Connecticut Food Bank supporter and how her office is doing its part in the fight against hunger during Hunger Action Month. The office turned a healthy competition into a fundraiser to fight hunger. If you have a Facebook account, check out this link.

It began with a bunch of bananas and a couple of ladies who like to bake.

When my co-worker brought in some heavily freckled bananas, Kelly and I both wanted to make banana bread with them. As strong, competitive women, we quickly launched a competition. We’d both make banana bread, and co-workers would judge the breads for deliciousness. The best bread would win!

I take the train to work, and as I was transporting my loaf, I read Connecticut Food Bank’s newsletter and noticed that September is Hunger Awareness Month. One child in six doesn’t have enough to eat in Connecticut, according to a report released by Feeding America, the national network of food banks. The report, titled Child Food Insecurity in the United States: 2006-2008, listed Connecticut among the Top 10 states with the highest increase in the rate of children under 18 who are food insecure.

Sharing food together, something our office already does, seemed like a natural tie-in to Hunger Awareness Month.

Hence, the office has decided to hold an Iron Chef bake-off, with the winner (and eaters) making small and large monetary and food donations to Connecticut Food Bank throughout the month.

Employees who enjoy dining on the homemade treats are encouraged to place a small or large donation in the circular box next to the baked goods. The winner of the competition will also make a monetary donation to Connecticut Food Bank.

The winner of Monday’s banana bread challenge will compete against fellow Bridgeport employee Julianne next week in a zucchini bread challenge. Other foods that may or may not make appearances include muffins, pies, and cookies. All month long, on Mondays, we will share home-baked treats and collect small bills to fight hunger.

We hope to use the whole month of September to appreciate food together, and to appreciate our food security, while working in a small way to raise awareness of the growing hunger problem in Connecticut. Might you be interested in doing something similar in your office, neighborhood, or circle of friends? Spread the word, spread the love, spread the homemade deliciousness. Lots of small steps can lead to big help for hungry families.

Posted by Beth Anne Royer, Project Manager of the Office of Policy & Management, City of Bridgeport

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