September is Hunger Action Month, a monthlong campaign launched by the Connecticut Food Bank, and supported by the Citizens Bank Foundation. Intended to raise awareness of the extent of hunger in the nation — 49 million Americans, including nearly half a million in Connecticut, according to information from the Connecticut Food Bank — this effort can be supported on the local level, as well.

Newtown is not a stranger to hunger. Many houses of worship collect donations of food and toiletry items to help those in need. Every week, residents utilize FAITH Food Pantry, located in the lower level of St John’s Episcopal Church on Washington Avenue, and the town Social Services/Salvation Army Food Pantry, located in Town Hall South on Main Street. Staples from these food pantries often mean the difference between feeding the family or having to skip meals. It is a reality that can be overlooked in a community with a per capita income that ranks 42 out of 179 towns in the state.

“Better than 60 people a week” take advantage of the town food pantry, said Ann Piccini, director of Social Services. “It is surprising how many people in town are in need,” she said. The town food pantry has seen an increase of approximately 25 percent in use in the past five years, with people continuing to struggle to find work since the economic downturn, Ms Piccini said, and various other factors contributing to need.

The Social Services Food Pantry never turns people away, being a partner with the Salvation Army. “If someone comes in and asks to use the food pantry, they can use it,” said Ms Piccini, so long as the person is a Newtown or Sandy Hook resident. Proof of residency in the form of a driver’s license or recent piece of mail with the name on it, as well as the maximum income of the household, is requested of Social Services Food Pantry users.

A Different Type Of User

With the increase in need has come a different type of user, too, Ms Piccini said. There are instances of requests to use the food pantry by people who have food stamp cards, are overextended on other purchases and so use the food pantry to supplement income, and who visit multiple food pantry sites each week. “I’m not sure why this is happening,” Ms Piccini said. She would hope that food pantry users would consider their circumstances. Although everyone is welcome, the food pantry is intended for those who truly have no income allowing them to purchase food to sustain themselves and their families each month. To use the food pantry because one is incapable of budgeting is unfair, she pointed out, and takes food away from the needy.

As fall approaches, this food pantry is seeing a need for the following items: rice, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, canned fruits, cake mixes and frostings, and diced or crushed canned tomatoes. Frozen and refrigerated items can be donated, and donations of frozen turkeys will be appreciated as Thanksgiving draws near. Two large upright freezers can accommodate donations.

“We have been getting fresh produce this summer from the community garden and prison garden, and that has been going well,” Ms Piccini said, and she is grateful to Big Y for its contributions of bread and cakes each week.

The Social Services Food Pantry is open Monday and Thursdays, from 2 to 4 pm, or by calling Ms Piccini at 203-270-4330 to make special arrangements.

Increased Need

In recent years, a normal week means that about 120 families will visit the FAITH Food Pantry, said co-chairman Lee Paulsen. “It has increased so much, though. In July, we had way over 150 families a week visit,” she said.

These days, what bothers Ms Paulsen, who has facilitated FAITH for many years, is seeing many more families visit the food pantry who are working, but still cannot make ends meet.

“It’s so sad,” she said. “People walk in on the verge of tears, who say they used to give and now they have to take. I tell them not to think of it that way. ‘There but for the grace of God, go I,’ is what I always say,” Ms Paulsen said.

Proof of local residency in the form of ID with an address, a piece of recent mail, a rent receipt, or car registration is required to use the FAITH Food Pantry.

FAITH Food Pantry relies on the generous donations it receives of food and toiletries to fill the shelves. “As fast as food comes in, it goes out,” Ms Paulsen said. So the pantry is especially grateful for the fresh produce it has been receiving this summer from Shortt’s Garden Center in Sandy Hook, the Victory Garden at Fairfield Hills, and the prison garden. She was surprised and thrilled to find that the prisoners were tending a garden and donating to food pantries, she said. “It’s great, and now they are planting for fall crops,” said Ms Paulsen. What is nice, too, is that the crops are produce that people really like, such as melons, corn, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, and kale. Any fresh produce left over on Thursday evening is brought over to Nunnawauk Meadows, so none goes to waste.

Help also comes each week from area businesses. Once or twice a week, owner Steve Ford of Butcher’s Best Market sends over frozen soups and dinners, which are ideal for the small families. FAITH has a large freezer that can accommodate his donations, as well as donations of frozen vegetables.

Big Y supplies bread each week, and Tony Posca of Bakes ‘n’ Cakes in Southbury, formerly of Andrea’s on Queen Street, now donates pastries each Thursday to FAITH. “It’s pretty wonderful, I think, that he is remembering [Newtown],” Ms Paulsen said.

FAITH appreciates that Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro has been providing milk, and for the baked good donated by DOrazio Sisters Bakery, as well.

Volunteer shoppers use cash donations to buy needed items, and having refrigeration means that eggs and milk can be made available for pantry users every week.

FAITH can always use donations of cereals, pancake mix, syrup, and toilet paper, she said, and other toiletries such as soap, laundry detergent, toothpaste, and toothbrushes can be used. The donation of canned or dry pet food is always welcome, said Ms Paulsen.

“Pets are an important part of the family, especially when you have children,” she said.

For current needs, Ms Paulsen encourages people to call her at 203-426-5604.

“Cash donations are always acceptable,” she urged, and checks made out to FAITH can be mailed to PO Box 53, Newtown CT 06470.

FAITH Food Pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 am to noon, and on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 pm. Special arrangements can be made by calling Ms Paulsen.

September is just one of twelve months in which a proactive public can help alleviate hunger.

“I’m fearful of winter,” fretted Ms Paulsen. “We’re so busy now.”

To help people beyond the borders of Newtown during Hunger Action Month, or any month, donate to the Connecticut Food Bank at www.ctfoodbank.org. According to information provided, for every $1 donated, the Connecticut Food Bank can feed one person, for one day. During September, Citizens Bank will match every donation, up to $5,000.