To the Editor:

Sometimes we need a reminder. A reminder how fortunate some of us are. And a reminder as to the severity of how close the needy truly are to us here in Newtown.

Newtown, Conn., is our home, and we do an extremely good job of watching out for each other and keeping an eye on our neighbors.

However, according to a recent report (2018 ALICE Report) 29 percent of Newtown households struggle to pay for basic needs. How? How is this possible? ~30 percent of the town is struggling to pay for basic necessities such as housing, food, child care, healthcare, technology, and transportation.

These families are defined as being above the Federal Poverty Level, but they earn below a basic cost of living threshold. In 2019, there are some 28,000 people living in Newtown. That’s roughly 8,000 people in Newtown that are unable to afford food and/or other necessities that are essential to maintaining a decent and healthy life.

FAITH Food Pantry, a non-denominational food pantry in Newtown, was challenged a few years back with their facility and were forced to leave. As a 100 percent donation-run food pantry, finding a spot was not easy. St Rose Church seized the opportunity and helped them build a building on their campus at 46 Church Hill Road, and they successfully moved in last year.

As their neighbors, the Newtown Knights of Columbus Council #185 decided to do something to assist in any way possible. The First Annual Run4Hunger-Newtown was developed and launched in May of 2018 in an effort to raise money and collect non-perishable goods to be donated to FAITH Food Pantry.

FAITH Food Pantry relies 100 percent on local businesses and residents to supply and stock their shelves for our neighbors. Many local businesses are collection locations for goods throughout the week when FAITH Food Pantry is not open to receive items. Local restaurants also provide food during the week to supplement with some fresh cooked items.

Coming up on May 11th, 2019, at 8:30 am (registration starts at 6:15 am), at the beautiful and picturesque Fairfield Hills Campus is the Second Annual Run4Hunger-Newtown (run4hunger-newtown.com). This event directly affects your neighbors and friends, many of whom are too proud to make it known they are in need.

Regards,

Jon Miodonka

45 Hucko Trail, Sandy Hook         April 30, 2019