Updates from State Rep. Aimee-Berger-Girvalo for Nov. 5, 2025

November 5, 2025



 

 

There is still a lot of uncertainty coming from the federal government on whether SNAP benefits will be funded through the end of the federal government shutdown. In the meantime, if you are in need of food assistance, local pantries across the state are providing essential emergency assistance. Pantries are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1 or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

Please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare if you are able. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate.

The CT Foodshare truck will be coming to Ridgefield tomorrow, Friday, Nov 7.

When: Every other Friday, 9:45-10:45, please check the dates above or on the CT Foodshare website.

What: The CT Foodshare mobile food pantry

Where: St Andrew's Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Road, Ridgefield

How: Please park at St. Andrew's Church and remain in your car until your number is called. This is a farmers-market-style distribution where consumers pick the items they want.

Please bring your own bags or cart.

The distribution will run for 1 hour and is open to anyone.

Please check the CT Foodshare website for up to date scheduling and if there is adverse weather.

CT Foodshare mobile pantry schedule:
https://mobilefoodpantry.ctfoodshare.org/
 

Ridgefield Social Services, Ruby's Pantries

In 2024, 381 Ridgefield residents received SNAP benefits. The state-reported average benefit is $331 per household per month, with the average allotment per person per day falling between $6 and $6.40. And while $6 per day seems a wildly small amount to feed a person across a whole day, the impact that these benefits have on folks is very literally life or death. 

Please consider donating to Ridgefield Social Services to help support our neighbors. That money will go directly to Ridgefield residents most in need.

You can make an online donation at the link below:
https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/a0706d47-8502-4274-9b41-e2d8c3503ae1

Ridgefield also has Ruby's Pantries available to anyone at five locations across town:
https://www.clarkconstruction.net/blog-page/building-rubys-pantries
 

Special Session

This Wednesday, Nov. 12, the House of Representatives is expected to hold a Special Session. You can view the entire session on on the Connecticut Network at ct-n.com or find CT-N on YouTube and Roku, as well as the Senate session, which is currently scheduled to take place the following day.
 
At this time our agenda is likely to include votes on making up the massive funding gaps created by the federal government in the areas of healthcare, food, childcare, WIC, heating assistance and school meals; children's mental health; codifying existing data privacy and courthouse protections; and a revised housing bill. As I stated last night at the Board of Selectpersons meeting, which my fellow Ridgefield Rep. Constantine and Sens. Kushner and Maher also attended, the language of the individual bills is still forthcoming. We have been assured, however, that negotiations between the Governor's office, the Treasurer's office, General Assembly leadership and all working groups and stakeholders related to each of these bills are ongoing and progressing in good faith. I look forward to reading the language of the bills once finalized.
 

Lower Heating Bills

November marks the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month, and Hartford is partnering with Eversource to raise awareness of available programs to help pay or lower heating bills and keep homes warm this winter.
 
If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season.  There is a plan for everyone, including:
 
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):

  • Apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA at 211.ct.org or call 211.

 Energy Efficiency: 

  • Take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives, and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.  

 Winter Protection:

  • If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.

Visit eversource.com/billhelp to learn more about these programs. You can also find your local CAA for assistance at 211ct.org or call 211.
 

Generation Power

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program opened on Sunday, Nov. 2, and will run through Nov. 10. This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses 🏠💡
 
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
 
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. GPCT has three remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycles for this winter season:

  • Nov. 2-10
  • Jan. 2-10, 2026
  • March 2-10, 2026

 To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: https://gpct.org/gethelp/
 

Veterans Day

The American Legion Post 78 on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. will host a Veterans Day Ceremony honoring Ridgefield’s veterans and the 23 million men and women who have served our nation.

The ceremony will take place at Lounsbury House/Veterans Memorial Garden, 316 Main St.

The featured speaker will be Lt. Leah Hughes, decorated Navy veteran and former Oceanography Officer.

All are welcome to attend and honor those who have served.

To me, this ceremony is always the most moving and engaging civic event here in town. I've even attended it with my mother, an Army veteran, who has come in from out-of-town more than once to participate. If you have the time, I strongly recommend you attend this beautiful event.
 

As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Aimee Berger-Girvalo
State Representative

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