Connecticut Food Bank

FAIRFIELD — At the close of the day on Wednesday, November 1, Connecticut Food Bank agencies throughout the state had requested a record 21,000 turkeys to feed more than 126,000 people this Thanksgiving.

“The need has never been so great,” said Nancy Carrington, Connecticut Food Bank’s executive director. “It is shocking to realize that while Connecticut remains the state with the highest per capita income in the nation, one in 12 Connecticut residents is hungry or at risk for hunger. We are grateful that we are able to play such an important role in helping to meet the need.”

Since 1994, when Connecticut Food Bank distributed 3,000 turkeys to its member agencies, CFB has worked with businesses, civic and religious organizations, the media, school groups, and individuals to collect enough turkeys and trimmings to feed everyone who wishes to partake in the traditional Thanksgiving feast. During Thanksgiving 1999, CFB distributed 17,777 turkeys and 252,449 pounds of “trimmings.”

“Up to now, we have always been able to fulfill our agencies’ requests 100 percent,” Carrington said. “If we are to do so again this year, we will need the support of all of our existing partners and must also recruit hundreds of new partners to help us feed our hungry neighbors.”

Early donors include Bigelow Tea in Fairfield (150 turkeys); the Knights of Columbus, New Haven chapter (500 turkeys); Vinny the Taper, 80 turkeys; Stop & Shop Corporation (1,000 turkeys); and the Vin Baker Stand Tall Foundation.

Connecticut Food Bank provides donated food to soup kitchens, food pantries, domestic violence shelters, and adult and children’s day centers. Last year CFB distributed 7.3 million pounds of food to 535 feeding programs in Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham counties. The CFB offices and its primary warehouse are in East Haven; branch warehouses are located in Fairfield and Waterbury and additional distribution centers are located in Stamford and New London. For more information about Connecticut Food Bank, visit the Web site www.ctfoodbank.org.