September 14, 2020

Reps. Cummings, Zupkus, Fellow Legislators Announce Farmers to Family Food Box Program to Benefit Greater Waterbury Families – September 21 at Crosby H.S.

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WATERBURY – State Representatives Stephanie Cummings (R-74) and Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) today announced a Farmers to Family Food Box Program will take place at Crosby High School on Monday September 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., or until supplies run out.

Together, with State Representatives Tony D’Amelio (R-71) and Rosa Rebimbas (R-70), and Cummings and Zupkus will distribute approximately 1,400 boxes of free produce during the U.S. Department of Agriculture F2F food program event which is coordinated by the Friendly Hands Food Bank of Torrington and Director Karen Thomas. The produce boxes contain a varied mix of seasonal vegetables and fruits, with previous deliveries featuring apples, zucchini, carrots, lettuce, oranges, green beans, eggplant and more.

“At a time when many families are struggling financially, are food insecure or are going without meals, this USDA program provides free, fresh produce to local families and I’m so happy we were able to bring it to the people of Greater Waterbury,” Rep. Cummings said. “I want to thank our friends at the Friendly Hands Food Bank, the administration and student volunteers from Crosby High School and my colleagues and friends who helped make this wonderful event possible. I’d especially like to thank Waterbury’s Avenue Auto and Neco Systems Incorporated for their incredibly generous donations of a trailer, forklift and operators to unload the huge truck safely.”

The legislators said the program comes at a particularly important time as the health crisis this spring and summer forced nearly 600,000 state residents out of work, and thousands of businesses were forced to close.

“In such a challenging year and with fall right around the corner it’s a great pleasure to be able to provide this incredible, free produce to the people of Greater Waterbury,” Rep. D’Amelio said. “The early months of the virus caused so many people to stay home that it has been difficult for many to get the fresh produce they need, and with the summer coming to a close this is a perfect time for a healthy boost of vegetables. Come by and grab a box.”

“There is no greater service than helping a neighbor in need, and this year, we have many people throughout our communities who are struggling to make ends meet and to put food on the table,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “It has been a challenging year for everyone, and the only way to get through it is by working together to ensure no one gets left behind, that no one goes hungry, and that everyone has the basic resources and supplies they need. This event will bring relief to many families, and I am honored to be a part of it. I thank Rep. Cummings for organizing this great event, and everyone who will be devoting their time and resources to making it a success.”

“I am so grateful to my fellow legislators, our volunteers, the USDA and all partners who have made this event possible,” Rep. Zupkus said. “With so many families struggling financially in this pandemic, I am so glad that we could come together to do some good. I encourage anyone in need to come on down, say hello, and take a box so they can enjoy some fresh and delicious produce. All are welcome!”

This event is FREE and open to the public on a first come, first-served basis until supplies run out. Please share this information with anyone it may benefit.

How it works:

Participants will drive into the Crosby High School parking lot loop (follow signs), forming a line so volunteers can place the boxes of produce in their vehicles. The boxes will be placed in the backseat or trunk of the vehicle to limit contact, and maintain safe distancing.

What: Farmers to Family free produce giveaway
Where: Crosby High School – 300 Pierpont Road in Waterbury.
When: Monday, September 21, 2020 – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., or until supplies run out.

About 1,400 boxes will be distributed during the event. The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out.

This event was made possible through the generous assistance of the USDA Farmers to Family Food program, Friendly Hands Food Bank of Torrington, Neco Systems Incorporated, Avenue Auto (1256 Thomaston Avenue), Crosby High School Principal (interim) Joanna Crudele and Assistant Principal Salvatore Vollero, former State Representative Selim Noujaim and State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria.