North-Central Connecticut Steps up to Fight Hunger

Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) helps to bag groceries at the annual Help Bag Hunger Event at the Enfield ShopRite.

By: Senator John A. Kissel

Did you know that September was National Hunger Action Month? Did you also know that 118,809 children in Connecticut currently live in poverty and 13.9 percent of Connecticut residents are food insecure? With these heart-breaking statistics it becomes even more important for the community to rally around events like Help Bag Hunger at ShopRite.

Throughout the month of September, organizations and businesses across the country do their part to help fight hunger in their communities. North-Central Connecticut is no different and that is why I was thrilled to participate in the annual Help Bag Hunger event at the ShopRite in Enfield on Tuesday, September 26th.

This is a great event where local officials help bag groceries. During the day these local officials sought donations for ShopRite Partners in Caring which works tirelessly to feed our residents in need. Additionally, throughout the day, cashiers asked customers to “Round Up” their purchases to the nearest dollar as a donation to help fill the shelves of local food banks.

In fact, since it was established in 1999 the ShopRite Partners in Caring program has donated more than $44 million to soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers and other organizations that are on the front lines of fighting hunger.

I want to extend a huge thank you to the ShopRite in Enfield for putting on a fantastic event again this year. These donations help real, hard-working families in our communities that struggle to feed their families.

This event also takes steps to raise awareness of the issue of hunger and as we get closer to the winter months this initiative becomes even more important.

To all the officials and volunteers who offered a helping hand – know that you have made a difference – well done!