Please Remember The Food Bank During The Summer

When holiday season rolls around, especially the weeks before Thanksgiving, people think of giving back to their communities and to those less fortunate. This is all good. 

But in the summertime, many of those same generous individuals may not realize that the local food banks see a marked decrease in their donations. 

Mary Ingarra, communications director of the Connecticut Food Bank in East Haven, said, "Summer is the most difficult time of year for food pantries and soup kitchens like the Connecticut Food Bank, because most people think of donating around the holidays, which is very much needed, but in the summertime, when you think about it, kids are home from school and each family needs to plan two extra meals for those children."

The need has increased overall.  In 1982, the Connecticut Food Bank distributed 400,000 pounds of food a year.  Today, it distributes 17 million pounds of food annually. 

"The typical family needs to come up with 200 extra meals over the summer months and donations tend to be down at this time," added Ingarra. "So if people want to make the big impact it's the summer that food is most needed."

Here are a few ways to donate and help:

• Make Food Donations - Individuals can bring food items to Connecticut Food Bank’s warehouses at 150 Bradley Street in East Haven and at the Food Pantry at 39 Park Place in East Haven. Your donation is weighed and you are given a receipt for tax purposes.  For clarification since the names are familiar, the East Haven Food Pantry is not one of the warehouses of the Connecticut Food Bank. The pantry is part of their member program.  
• Host a Virtual Food Drive - You can host your own virtual food drive online! To see how it works, click here to see a virtual food drive online.
• Organize a Food Drive-  Groups such as businesses, arts groups, scouts, women's groups, etc. can work together for a common goal.  Check out the Connecticut Food Bank's website for more information. 
• Donate Funds - the food bank always welcomes monetary donations so they can purchase food for their clients. 
• You can also volunteer! The Connecticut Food Bank offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Check out the latest at their website.