Zupkus, Area Legislators Host Greater Waterbury Farmers to Families Event

More than two hours before the scheduled start time, and before the forklift had even finished unloading the last of 24 pallets from the tractor trailer, cars started lining the Crosby High School driveway waiting for a box of fresh produce and vegetables from the USDA Farmers to Family Food Box Program.

The free event, sponsored by State Representatives Lezlye Zupkus (R-89), Stephanie Cummings (R-74), Tony D’Amelio (R-71) and Rosa Rebimbas (R-70), was made possible with assistance from the Friendly Hands Food Bank of Torrington, Neco Systems Incorporated, Avenue Auto (1256 Thomaston Avenue) and Crosby High School.

During the Crosby High event there were 24 pallets loaded with 63 individual boxes – 1,512 total boxes – of free fruit and produce distributed. The boxes in this shipment contained a varied mix of fruits and vegetables, including peppers, tomatoes, onions, apples and carrots. Previous deliveries also contained a varied mix including zucchini, lettuce, oranges, green beans, eggplant and more.

The legislators said the program came 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. The sheer number of people who came to Crosby for this event demonstrates that there is still a tremendous need in the Greater Waterbury community.

This free event and was open to the public on a first come, first-served basis until supplies ran out.