In the state of Connecticut, roughly one in seven people face food insecurity. The Connecticut Foodshare is a nonprofit organization that works to lessen these numbers. By providing meals to those in need, their goal is to help people statewide with food assistance.
Mortgage Arena.
Source: Instagram, @ctfoodshore
Carmel Amell, The Connecticut Foodshare’s Corporate Giving Manager says through the help of volunteers, partners, and supporters, the organization was able to provide 45 million meals just in the last year.
“With the rising cost of groceries, inflation, and uncertain economic times, many families are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table. Of the roughly 3.6 million people in the state of Connecticut, more than 14%, or 516,640 individuals are food insecure,” said Amell.
The organization prioritizes giving people nutritious, balanced meals. Providing meals is important, but giving healthy options is also crucial to help those in need.
“We do our best to focus on ensuring access to healthy, balanced options. The food we distribute includes fruits, vegetables, shelf-stable pantry staples like canned goods, protein, and dairy,” said Amell.
Amell said her role in an organization whose mission to help people is something that is very important to her. Being able to play a part in providing meals to people aligns closely with her values.
“Food is how we show love, how we care for others, we celebrate life’s meaningful
moments with family and friends over a meal. Being part of an organization that helps bridge that gap, bringing together people who want to help with those who need help truly feels like a blessing. I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to dedicate my time and skills to helping others,” said Amell.
Senior Madeline Mangione attended a meal packing event hosted by Connecticut Foodshare and 9/11 Day, another nonprofit organization that works to turn Sept. 11 into a day of service.
“I attended the event to help with media coverage and it was so inspiring. Seeing hundreds of volunteers from different organizations come together to help pack meals was something I was happy to have seen,” said Mangione.
The meal packing event on Sept. 11 at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. hosted volunteers from different companies and organizations all over Connecticut to help pack meals for those in need.
“Just by walking in the venue I could feel the energy of positivity in the room. People were dancing, singing, and just happy to be helping people who needed meals. It definitely made me want to volunteer in the future,” said Mangione.
The process to receive these meals is easily accessible. Connecticut Foodshare has over 100 mobile food pantry locations across the state where people can go to receive meals.
“No questions are asked, and no ID is required. You can see the full list of locations at ctfoodshare.org/mobile We also distribute food to 480+ agency partners which include food pantries, community kitchens, and shelters. Connecticut Foodshare also helps individuals apply to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is what was formerly known as food stamps,” said Amell.
Connecticut Foodshare has had over 6,300 volunteers within the last year. The organization encourages people to donate their time to help fight food insecurity within the state of Connecticut.
To view or sign up for volunteer opportunities, visit ctfoodshare.org/volunteer . For any questions, reach out to Carmen Ana Amell at camell@ctfoodshare.org or Luis Rodriguez-Porter at lrodriguez-porter@ctfoodshare.org
