Bloomfield, CT
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With so many families home from work, schools going remote, and rising unemployment rates, there has been an unprecedented increase in food insecurity throughout our communities. As the demand for food increases daily, Foodshare is experiencing a strain on resources. By joining forces with Bank of America, Foodshare can continue its mission to help alleviate hunger in the Greater Hartford region. The bank’s donation will allow Foodshare to continue providing food to thousands of families throughout Hartford and Tolland counties who are now food insecure because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The key players throughout this crisis have been Foodshare’s community members, the donors and volunteers who continue to step up to help fill the need. With help from community partners, Foodshare can actively adjust its operations in response to this state of emergency and as new expenses are incurred daily. The aid from Bank of America will help provide over 100,000 meals to people who are desperately in need right now.
“We’re so grateful for the decades-long partnership between Foodshare and Bank of America, and their continued commitment to addressing hunger in Greater Hartford. This gift will help us continue to respond to the incredible need during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Foodshare.
Recent survey results conducted by Foodshare at their emergency drive-thru food distributions at Rentschler Field and The Hartford Regional Market show that over 70% of households attending these distributions have lost their jobs or had their hours cut due to the coronavirus. During the past month, nearly 7 out of 10 people had to choose between paying for food and paying other bills. For many people coming to the new drive-thru food distribution, this is their first time receiving assistance from Foodshare.
“No family should have to choose between paying for food or paying their bills,” said Joe Gianni, Hartford Market President for Bank of America. “Committing our resources to local communities and addressing the immediate needs of our neighbors during this time is priority for Bank of America, along with supporting our clients and employees. Thank you, Foodshare, for making sure every family can have food on their table.”
About Foodshare
Foodshare is leading an informed, coordinated response to hunger in our community. Foodshare is the Feeding America food bank serving Connecticut’s Hartford and Tolland counties, where 118,000 people struggle with hunger. In partnership with the food industry, donors, community leaders and volunteers, Foodshare works to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security. Last year, Foodshare distributed more than 11 million meals worth of food to a network of 280 local food pantries, meal programs, and Mobile Foodshare sites. And, because it takes more than food to end hunger, Foodshare collaborates with anti-hunger organizations, policy makers, and the broader community to build effective solutions to end hunger.
Foodshare is changing what it means to be a food bank. For more information, visit www.foodshare.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
