Food Bank Distributions

Increase 23 Percent

NEW HAVEN — Connecticut Food Bank (CFB) distributed an extraordinary 9 million pounds of food to more than 550 charitable feeding programs in six Connecticut counties during 2000. This distribution represents a 23 percent increase over 1999 and is nearly twice the 4.8 million pounds distributed in 1997.

CGB’s year 2000 distribution reflects a growing need statewide. A study released in October 2000 by End Hunger Connecticut Inc. reports that requests for emergency food assistance throughout the state increased by 24.5 percent between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000.

“These figures drive home the stark reality of ever-increasing need during what many believe to be a time of great prosperity,” said CFB Executive Director Nancy Carrington. “Although unemployment is at record lows, the minimum-wage jobs that many people hold are simply not enough to meet basic living expenses. Too many people are forced to choose between paying the rent, or heating their homes, and buying food. Welfare reform has not ended poverty. It has instead placed a greater burden on charities to fill the gap and provide food for those in need.”

The number of agencies CFB serves has grown to 550 during the past year. CFB’s physical plant has also grown: during the past year CFB built a 4,000 square foot addition to the East Haven warehouse that includes significantly larger (960 square foot) refrigerator and freezer units.

“The new refrigerator and frozen units allow us to accept many more types of perishable foods,” Ms Carrington said. “Now that we are able to accept this food, less is wasted and many more people can be fed. We will continue to look for new sources of food and to build upon the partnership we have found in order to ensure that no one in need will go hungry.”

Connecticut Food Bank provides donated food to soup kitchens, food pantries, domestic violence, shelters, adult and children’s day centers, and residential programs. In 2000, CFB distributed 9 million pounds of food, or 17.3 tons every business day, to 550 feeding programs in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlessex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties. The CFB offices and its primary warehouse are in East Haven. Additional distribution centers are in Waterbury and Fairfield. More information about Connecticut Food Bank is available on CFB’s Web site, www.ctfoodbank.org.