To the Editor:

Have you noticed the price of food lately? For many of our neighbors, this is a significant issue they face every day. Estimates indicate that more than 380,000 Connecticut residents (including more than 83,000 children) are “Food Insecure,” relying on food banks, pantries and soup kitchens for regular meals.

Whilst there are a number of contributing factors to this incredibly sad situation, climate change is certainly one of them and it’s only going to get worse.

A great EPA article, provided by the city of Chicago, details the impact of climate change on food security, agriculture and input costs. You can find it on the climatechange.chicago.gov “Climate-Impacts by Sector” webpage. We encourage you to read it.

Agriculture and fisheries are highly dependent on the climate. Yields of commodity crops (such as corn, rice, soy beans and oats) are expected to be lower than they would be without climate change, pushing prices up.

Changes in the frequency and severity of extreme weather, droughts, wildfires and floods pose challenges for farmers/ranchers and threaten both food and personal safety. Look no further than the on-going Smokehouse fire in Texas, which covered 1 million acres or the recent massive snowstorm in California.

Just talk to the orange growers in Florida or the apple farmers in Connecticut. Warm winters followed by sudden and unexpected frosts during blossom season can and have had significant impacts on our agriculture production, leading to food scarcity and higher prices.

Overall, climate change will make it more difficult to grow crops, raise animals, and catch fish in the same ways and same places as we have done in the past. This could have a devastating effect on our farmers. They can’t simply “pick up sticks” and move to where the climate allows them to grow what we need. Technology will help, but large-scale improvements to the system take time and significant investment.

So, what can we do about it?

Support area food pantries, either directly or via events organized by local businesses and organizations. Just one example: Last September 30th, the Newtown Lions teamed up with Big Y World Class Market and the US Army Reserves to “Stuff a Truck” with grocery items and help restock Daily Bread (Danbury), Bridgeport Rescue Mission (Bridgeport), Hospitality House and FAITH Food Pantry in Newtown. They collected 3,000 pounds of food and $1400 in donations! “Stuff a Truck” will be repeated on Saturday April 6th (more details to follow). Why not come along and make a donation?

With the 2024 election coming up, we have an opportunity to influence our politicians, irrespective of party. Challenge their commitment to addressing climate change, preserving food security and keeping food prices low. Your vote matters! Our farmers, friends and neighbors will thank you.

If you enjoy our letters, let us know what you think. Send a response to The Newtown Bee.

Do It For Your Grandchildren!

Frank B. Gardner and Neil P. Randle

Sandy Hook