Food drive to help local federal workers announced

January 22, 2019

STATE REP. DATHAN ANNOUNCES FOOD DRIVE FOR FEDERAL WORKERS

State Representative Lucy Dathan (D-Norwalk/New Canaan) announced today an emergency food drive to help boost Person-to-Person’s food supply to help alleviate local federal workers and their families affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

State Senator Bob Duff (D-Darien/Norwalk), the City of Norwalk, SoNo Branch Public Library, Norwalk Public Library and Person-to-Person are joining in the effort to help coordinate collections, which will be dispersed by Person-to-Person’s food pantry program.

“The government shutdown, now over a month long, is causing a ripple effect that is hitting each of our communities in very serious ways. The extent of the needs for each particular situation may vary, but having food on the table, even during times of financial distress, is not optional,” Rep. Dathan said. “I am hoping this food drive collaboration will bring some relief.”

“I am happy to partner with Rep. Dathan to ensure our federal workers have enough food to put on the table for themselves and their families. This shutdown is very unfortunate and is affecting real people who are now facing major hardships. Our community is generous and always lends a hand to those in need,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff.

The public is encouraged to bring food donations and gift cards to the following locations:

  • City of Norwalk  125 East Avenue Tel: (203) 854-3200 
  • Norwalk Public Library 1 Belden Avenue, Norwalk   Tel(203) 899-2780​ 
  • SoNo  10 Washington Street Tel: (203) 899-2790
  • New Canaan’s Health & Human Service Office 61 Main Street Tel: (203) 594-3076  
  • Person-to-Person* Tel: (203) 655-0048

“As a community supported agency, P2P is grateful to those who step up to help others in need.  P2P is committed to providing food for the people who would otherwise go hungry during this unsettling time,” said Ceci Maher, Person-to-Person Chief Executive Officer.

Dathan said, “I am grateful to our partners, volunteers and everyone who has joined me to make this a reality. If you know any federal worker who can benefit from this aid, please be sure to share this information with them and have them visit Person-to-Person for food provisions.”

*Person-to-Person is a community-supported agency that provides emergency assistance for basic needs. All food contributions from this food drive will be added to their existing food pantry supply for easy distribution to federal employees affected by shutdown. Those in need can access the food pantry to receive assistance by showing their federal employee ID card.

Rep. Lucy Dathan is serving her first legislative term representing the 142nd Assembly. She is vice chair of the legislature’s Insurance Committee and the Appropriations and Human Services Committees.

###