Newtown Delegation Hails Newtown Food Drive as ‘Huge Success’

NEWTOWN – Local legislators DebraLee Hovey (R-112), Dan Carter (R-2) and Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) visited Newtown Social Services Food Pantry to see all the food collected through the legislative Food Drive being held for the month of January.

“This is proof how much can be accomplished when a community works together and focuses its attention on what is important. All these efforts will make a major difference in the lives of many, many families experiencing difficult financial times. Connecticut’s economic recovery is slow and everyone is either affected or close to somebody who is in some way – some, much more than others. We should never forget we are all part of the same caring community,’’ Bolinsky said.

The pantry is available to low-income families living in Newtown. All items are donated and collected through various food drives. There are certain items always in need: soups, canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, tomato products, cleaning supplies, personal products, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, school snacks, juice boxes.

Director of Social Services, Ann Piccini told the Newtown legislators this food drive will help keep the food pantry full until May. The Food Pantry has a freezer for anyone who wishes to donate meat or protein to those who are in-need. Grocery store gift cards can also be given to the agency in lieu of food donations.

“I’m proud of the people who were able to donate food to make sure the Newtown Food Pantry is stocked and able to provide for those less fortunate for the coming months,” Rep. Hovey said. “We often think of doing this kind of thing during the holiday season but winter is long and difficult for many and the need is year round, not just for two months. When we band together as a community everyone benefits and I’m honored to be a part of such a worthwhile endeavor.”

“Newtown is fortunate to have a strong support system in place for those in need, but the Newtown Food Pantry can only serve our neighbors if they continue to receive donations,” Rep. Carter said. “I want to thank the folks who went out of their way to help boost this lifeline that so many families and seniors rely upon during these cold months.”

In addition to their food pantry, Newtown social services: works with Win (women involved in Newtown) to supply backpacks with school supplies for our low-income families each august, helps with fuel assistance to eligible households, assists with housing for the elderly and disabled, works with different organizations including in making holiday baskets to in-need families.