To The Editor:

Last Saturday, I witnessed something that reminded me exactly why I love this community. At our Community in Action event, Newtown residents came together to donate kid-friendly snacks, write personal notes of encouragement to children, and have meaningful conversations about how we support our neighbors facing food insecurity.

To everyone who donated and to the volunteers — also known as the “Ku Crew” — thank you. A special thanks to Susan Clancy for leading the charge. This is what Newtown does. In the 16 years I have lived and served here, I’ve seen my neighbors step up for each other time and time again. This is who we are.

Food insecurity isn’t an abstract problem. It’s families down the street trying to decide between groceries, medicine and heat. You may not see it, but people who work in the food banks do. The need is there.

I was honored to be joined by Attorney General William Tong, who spoke about the real impacts of federal cuts to SNAP benefits on Connecticut families and Legislative Council member Eric Paradis who also shared important insights about the connection between food insecurity and education. They both underscored an important truth: community care alone isn’t enough. Food insecurity is a policy failure.

When Washington cuts federal funding and slashes programs that feed families, we depend on our neighbors, our state legislature, our governor, and our Attorney General to fill gaps and fight back. That’s why state leadership matters. That’s why I’m running for State Representative — because Newtown deserves a voice in Hartford that reflects our values and fights for what our families need.

On March 28, we’ll host our next Community in Action event at the Newtown Senior Center. I hope you’ll join us. Together, we’ll continue showing up while also highlighting the policy solutions our community deserves.

Michelle Embree Ku

Candidate for State Representative, 106th District

Newtown