Newtown State Delegation Thanks Community for Supporting Food Pantry Drive

NEWTOWN – Newtown legislators Reps. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106), Dan Carter (R-2), J.P. Sredzinski (R-112) and Sen. Tony Hwang (R-28), with cooperation of the Newtown Social Services, hailed a successful town-wide food drive in held in the months of January and February.

The state legislators had a mission to put together a town food drive after the holidays, reminding local residents that hunger does not end once the holidays are over. The delegates joined Ann Piccini, Director of the Newtown Department of Social Services, at the pantry on March 13 to celebrate the drive’s success.

With a busy night before in which many local families in need came to get groceries, the pantry shelves were bare. Piccini explained that there are more groceries in the storage area, but as the preceding night demonstrated, the food goes fast and there is a constant need for donations.

Rep. Sredzinski said, “It’s heartwarming to see so many members of our community come together to help those in-need. The winter months in Connecticut are especially trying times for individuals and families who don’t have the food and shelter they need. I want to thank everyone who donated.”

Rep. Bolinsky said, “Time and again, the Newtown community has stepped up to support and help our neighbors. The need for donations to the pantry is immense right now we can’t rest on our laurels. Please continue to donate, if you can!”

“It was a pleasure to help facilitate this successful food drive, which not only helped our Newtown neighbors in need, but also served as a welcome reminder of the generous spirit that makes our community so special,” Senator Hwang said. “As Ms. Piccini notes, the need among our neighbors is constant and so too is the need for donations. Our support certainly won’t stop here, and I’m sure it won’t for the community, either.”

“This event always deepens my pride for my community,” said Rep. Carter. “Each year, I am reminded of what it truly means to be a neighbor, and to support those in need without expecting anything in return.”

Ann Piccini, the Social Services Director, “Newtown Social Services and The Salvation Army Food Pantry thank you for all the food collected for our pantry. After the holidays the donations stop but the need for food for low and middle income families is great. Having food drives in the spring and summer help to keep food on the pantry shelves.”

The Newtown Social Services office administers the Newtown Food Pantry. Grocery store gift cards can be donated to the agency in lieu of non-perishable food. The Pantry also has a freezer for anyone who wishes to donate meat or protein.

Donations can be dropped off at the Department of Social Services, 3 Main St., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition to their food pantry, Newtown Social Services works with WIN (Women Involved in Newtown) to supply backpacks with school supplies for our low-income families each August, helps with fuel assistance to eligible households, assists with housing for the elderly and disabled, and works with different organizations, including in making holiday baskets to in-need families.