South Windsor HAT Presents: “Hunger in South Windsor”

Recently, the South Windsor Hunger Action Team (HAT) recorded a presentation at Town Hall on Hunger in South Windsor. Town Council member, Dr. M. Saud Anwar, began the presentation by discussing the scope of the problem of hunger in South Windsor. Beatrice Maslowski, a Community Network Builder at Foodshare, educated listeners on Foodshare’s role in South Windsor due to partnerships with The Bridge, Mobile Foodshare, and the South Windsor HAT. She noted that currently 13.5% of South Windsor’s students are eligible for free/reduced-cost meals, and that number has increased 48% over the last ten years. 

Dr. M. Saud Anwar, Beatrice Maslowski, Pastor Randall Pekari, Dr. Andy Paterna, & Andrea Cofracesco

Pastor Randall Pekari spoke passionately about witnessing food insecurity and why Our Savior Lutheran Church wanted to open The Bridge, South Windsor’s newest pantry. The Bridge provides food and gently used clothing to anyone in need. Dr. Andy Paterna followed with information on the South Windsor Food Alliance and their work with the South Windsor Farmers Market, school gardens at four schools, healthy community workshop series, and supporting the town community gardens. 

Andrea Cofrancesco of South Windsor Human Services, provided insight into the services available to South Windsor residents including: a client choice food pantry, Meals on Wheels, Congregate Lunch at the Senior Center, fuel assistance, case management, transportation assistance, WIC and SNAP referrals, along with youth and senior services.  The presentation ended with a discussion on accessing services and the need for donations and volunteers.


For information on Hunger Action Teams, please contact Beatrice Maslowski.