Hungry for Change: Building a Coalition to Solve Hunger in Connecticut

Join us this Hunger Action Month for the Hungry for Change statewide conference! This inspiring and informative morning will provide an opportunity to connect with others, discuss the current state of hunger in Connecticut, and share ideas about collaborative action as we work toward a common agenda.

When: Wednesday, September 20 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm.
Where: Chrysalis Training & Conference Center, 255 Homestead Avenue, Hartford
RSVP here by Thursday, September 14. Space is limited and breakfast will be provided.

What:

-      Data and information about hunger in Connecticut and the core policies that support food security
-      Key note speaker Joel Berg from Hunger Free America

-      Breakout sessions on:

-      Setting a policy agenda that protects government safety net programs

-      Encouraging healthy food access in food pantries and creating model programs

-      Pursuing food justice and addressing inequities in the food system

-      Closing: Planning next steps

Summer Meal Champions!

On a rainy Saturday morning in August, thirty-one kids from five towns made their way to Parker Memorial Community Center in Hartford for the Expect More Healthy Kids Championship Event. On the line were awesome prizes: a Minion’s bike, an electric scooter, a Fitbit, and gift cards to Toys R Us and Target.

Leading up to this event, more than 250 children competed each week in July to earn ribbons and an invitation to the final competition. From the kid’s perspective, it was fun and games. But Foodshare had a serious reason behind it -- getting the word out about free summer meals in our region.

Why does Foodshare care about a federal program like summer meals? We realize that the 11.5 million meals we provide at pantries, shelters and community kitchens are only one part of the equation. To keep Connecticut kids strong, we need strong programs in place like school meals and summer meals.

The USDA Summer Meals Program began as an extension of the school lunch program in 1968, yet it is still the ‘best kept secret’ in child nutrition programs. Few parents know that there are free meals for kids at 600 locations across Connecticut -- less than 25 percent of kids who receive a free or reduced cost lunch at school will get a summer meal!

So while the kids enjoyed fun activities – field games, basketball, and Yard Goats baseball - we were asking them to go back to friends and family as ‘ambassadors’ for the free meals at their summer programs. A week of nutrition education rounded the activities out, with the help of the SNAP4CT staff who taught basic “My Plate” rules for healthy eating during relay races. Fox61 and iHeart Radio provided a media spotlight to get the word out. Panera provided delicious sandwiches for competitors and their families at the championship, and donations to Foodshare from their new delivery program. Stop & Shop provided the funding for us to do this important outreach. It was truly a team effort and we can Expect More Healthy Kids as a result.

Foodshare thanks all of our partners and special thanks to the City of Hartford Department of Families, Children, Youth and Recreation who graciously facilitated activities on two sites and provided the Championship venue. Thanks to Fox61 morning anchor Tim Lammers for acting as master of ceremonies, a passionate advocate for Connecticut kids!

Foodshare Was In The House

Foodshare was thrilled to join the Yard Goats at their 4th of July Celebration Game!

Foodshare staff members, families and volunteers came out to support the Yard Goats and Foodshare Sunday July 2.

The night began with our Interim President & CEO, Jack Hackendorn throwing the first pitch. Members of the Development team were then presented with a check from the Ford Motor Company Fund in the amount of $57,000 which reflected their support over the past few years – a great partnership!

A group of passionate volunteers also engaged in the fun by collecting donations and educating Yard Goat fans about the issue of hunger at each entrance of the stadium.
They collected enough money to provide over 4,000 meals to people in Hartford and Tolland counties.

A huge thank you to the Hartford Yard Goats for supporting us in our effort to end hunger and help those in need!

 Click here for more photos->

Future Generation Supports Foodshare

Foodshare's Fundraising Events Specialist, Al Marino, recently had a heartwarming visit to The Master's School in West Simsbury.

Approximately thirty 4th and 5th graders had the opportunity to hear Al speak about Foodshare and the important work we do for our hungry neighbors.



They, in turn, shared the results of their recent Ten Talents Project.

Each student had been given $5 and were asked to brainstorm with family and friends to find ways  to take the $5 and expand it to help our neighbors in need.  Household chores, bake sales and small business ideas were all projects that the students used to make the money grow.  Foodshare was chosen as one of the charities to share in the profits.  Al was thrilled to receive a check from the students for an amazing $1,152, which is enough to help Foodshare provide over 2,800 meals! 

We tip our caps off to Mrs. Blanchard and Mrs. Mancini for teaching the students the importance of sharing and giving back!

View more photos->

World-Class Festival Blesses Foodshare

On Sunday, June 4th the Emanuel Synagogue in West Hartford, will be hosting their Sharon Barshay Community Music Festival from 5-8pm.

Attendees will be entertained by a diverse line-up of world-class musicians, along with food trucks and fun activities for the whole family.

Donations for Foodshare will be collected.

Attendees are also encouraged to stop by Foodshare’s Ambassador table to learn more about how they can support our 127,000 hungry neighbors within the Greater Hartford Area.

                                        Click on the flyer below for more information.

A Community United Against Hunger

The Foodshare Walk Against Hunger is this Sunday, May 7. Rain or shine, this is our chance to tell the world that hunger is not okay. 

It is not okay for a senior, who worked for decades, to be standing in line at a food pantry. It is not okay for members of our military to be worried about putting dinner on the table each night. And it is not okay for children, through no fault of their own, to be hungry when they head off to school. 

We are so grateful to have some of our favorite, and most committed local celebs kicking things off on the main stage—Scot Haney from WFSB Channel 3 Eyewitness News and Renee DiNino from iHeart Media's Community Access. Long-time supporters of Foodshare, they both understand the hard road ahead, but they also know the strength of a community united against hunger. 

Hunger is indeed big. 
We believe the Foodshare community is bigger. 

National Volunteer Week: Thank YOU!

Here at Foodshare, we would not be able to lead an informed, coordinated response to hunger without help from our volunteers. Last year, more than 4,700  people donated 44,000 hours – the equivalent of 22 additional full-time employees – through opportunities like Mobile Foodshare, Retail Pick-up, office work, food sorting, Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) boxes and SNAP Outreach.

National Volunteer Week is a chance to inspire, recognize, and encourage volunteers and demonstrate that, by working together, we have the fortitude to overcome challenges and meet our goals.

To celebrate, we will be showcasing some of our dedicated volunteers and their stories as well as providing treats at both our Hartford and Bloomfield locations. If you're interested in sharing your own experience with Foodshare or any of our 300 partner agencies, we'd love to hear from you!

On behalf of Foodshare, and the 137,000 food insecure people you are helping here at home, thank you for sharing your time and talents to make food accessible for all! #NVW2017  #GYSD

Macy's Shopping Bag Filled With Meals

An energetic group of employees from Macy's in South Windsor participated in the company’s annual Bag Hunger campaign. Numerous events were planned, including a cookout, chili cook-off, pool tournament, and a TV raffle. Customers were engaged with a concession stand, and had the opportunity to purchase "Bag Hunger" tote bags. Members of the management team also contributed 120 pounds of non-perishable items.

Thanks to all of their efforts, employees successfully raised over $3,000 in support of our hungry neighbors. That money will provide thousands of meals and help connect people with long-term support.

Thank you to Macy's and everyone who took part! #PartnersAgainstHunger

Join us for the 2017 #FSWalk...

The Foodshare Walk Against Hunger is fun for the entire family, offering on-site food trucks, music, giveaways and more! Bring a few extra dollars so you can be sure to enjoy tasty treats from places like: Bear’s BBQ Smokehouse, Ben & Jerry’s, Cupcake Brake, Mardi Parti, New Haven Pizza Truck, Spuds Your Way, and Yardbird. Kids will enjoy our photo booth and face painting, free of charge!

Most importantly, the Walk is an opportunity to come together as a community to rally against hunger. We hope to see you out there! Register to walk, or show your support by making a donation online at http://foodsharewalk.org.

Foodshare's 4th Annual HAT Symposium

Passionate. Energetic. Committed. These three words describe each individual that attended the 4th Annual Foodshare Hunger Action Team (HAT) Symposium on March 23.

A large number of Foodshare staff, partners, and friends gathered at the Chrysalis Training Center in Hartford, to acknowledge the accomplishments of our 20 Hunger Action Teams. Foodshare staff offered encouraging words to all of our Hunger Action Team members, recognizing the incredible work they make possible. One of the highlights was, of course, the keynote speaker—Dr. M. Saud Anwar, a physician and humanitarian from South Windsor, as well as a founding member of the South Windsor Hunger Action Team.

With microphone in hand, Dr. Anwar spoke passionately about health outcomes and the positive effects that come from eating nutritious food.

Dr. M Saud Anwar

Guests were inspired by his words, including Community Involvement VISTA, Sarah Hill, who had this to share, "After hearing his outstanding analogies, I personally felt very motivated to change the way that I think about food portions, and how to handle my own health habits." 

Stop & Shop's Our Family Foundation was recognized for their ongoing support of Foodshare's efforts to combat child hunger, through Hunger Action Teams and other vital programs. Representatives from each HAT painted a picture of their own team’s accomplishments over the past year, and offered an update on plans for new possibilities. The symposium culminated in an opportunity for guests to connect with one another during breakout sessions to explore a variety of hunger-related topics, from rescuing healthy food to college food pantries.

You can catch a glimpse of our wonderful keynote speaker on Foodshare's YouTube channel, or view more photos of the symposium. 

Interested in joining a HAT? Contact Foodshare's Community Network Builders, Jim or Bea for more information.

Talking Poverty With State Officials

On Thursday, February 16th, the 4th annual #TalkCTPoverty Advocacy Day and Breakfast will be taking place at the Legislature Office Building in Hartford from 8:30-10:30am. Join us!