Senior Centers to Benefit from Food Donation Policy Update

Hartford – State Representative Carpino (Cromwell/Portland) proposed an update to current public health policy, allowing distributors, wholesalers, or retailers of food to donate items to senior centers. Senate Bill 901: AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH’S RECOMMENDATION REGARDING ADOPTION OF A MODEL FOOD CODE was acted upon favorably by the Public Health Committee, moving the legislation to the Senate Floor for further debate.

“Congregate meals provide the opportunity for the seniors in our community to socialize as well as get a nutritious meal,” explained Rep. Carpino in regard to introducing the bill. “This bill will make it less onerous for local restaurants to donate quality food to our local senior centers, as they have recently seen seniors struggling to access meals daily.”

Due to the current restrictions placed on donating food items, the Cromwell Senior Center has been unable to receive donations from local restaurants on a regular basis. According to the Cromwell Senior Director, Amy Saada, a recent cut to the Congregate Meal Programs has created a greater need for donated items.

“The Congregate meal program has proven to help with decreased isolation in seniors,” said Saada. Ms. Saada went on to explain that the mid-day meal is a time for seniors in the community enjoy conversation with peers and have a healthy well balanced meal.

Linda Polke, Vice Chair of Cromwell’s Senior Commission, stated, “This bill will be a great benefit to the seniors who have seen their meals decrease. I would like to thank Christie for looking out for our seniors.”

Carpino noted that the bill has strong bi-partisan support and unanimously passed out of the Public Health Committee. It now moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.

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