Earlier this week, I attended a talk hosted by New Canaan Cares with renowned author Jennifer Wallace on her upcoming book, Mattering. The most striking point, of many that really impacted me, was the importance of our societal fabric, essentially the social health of our community. This very idea of societal health was reinforced in real time this week with so many good neighbors stepping up to fill the urgent need left by the current stoppage of the federal food assistance program SNAP.
Food pantries everywhere are seeing a continuing uptick in people in need of assistance. It’s a double whammy - first with the rise in grocery prices and now with the cessation of federal food aid. This need could very well continue onward as budgets proposed both by the White House and the House have made significant cuts from future SNAP funds.
Did you know that SNAP feeds nearly 700 of our neighbors right here in New Canaan, Ridgefield, and Wilton? If you can help, or need help, please scroll down to the section promoting the available resources and organizations that are making a difference now more than ever.
In part to address the loss of federal funds, my colleagues and I are preparing for a special legislative session in Mid-November at the State Capitol. We will debate several issues, but one of the most significant will be approving state funds to offset potential federal budget cuts that could impact key programs and services across Connecticut.
| These discussions will be critical to ensuring that our communities continue to receive the support they need — from health care and education to public safety and infrastructure. As always, I’m committed to protecting the interests of our residents and maintaining the fiscal stability of our state as we navigate these challenges together. |
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| Back in the 42nd District, I was proud to join Rep. Lucy Dathan in hosting a community forum on the construction on Route 106. Click on the image below to watch a short video before scrolling below to learn more. |
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Remember to get out to vote today through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and, of course, on Tuesday (Election Day from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.). Your voice matters in who represents what values you want in our communities. As always, reach out anytime with your questions at Savet.Constantine@cga.ct.gov, and if you like what you read, please forward this email to share this information with a friend!
All the best to you,
Savet Constantine
State Representative |
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| Route 106 Construction Forum |
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| I really appreciated speaking with residents during our recent community forum, where you had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the officials in charge of the construction on Route 106 in Wilton to New Canaan. So many of you came out to voice your concerns. |
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| My colleague Rep. Lucy Dathan and I hosted the event at the Comstock Community Center, joined by representatives from Aquarion, Eversource, and Yankee Gas. Those officials provided an update on the ongoing work, which has affected traffic flow, delayed deliveries, and temporarily caused water discoloration in some areas. |
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Officials confirmed that construction is expected to wrap up by November 15. I will continue to keep you informed as we approach the final phase of the project takes place next year.
The key takeaway? Over the winter, Rep. Dathan and I will work with the utilities and town officials to make sure all of you know of the water and gas hookup options, as this all needs to be scheduled and completed before the final paving of Route 106 can be scheduled. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
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It was a privilege to join the Wilton community in celebrating Diwali last week. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali honors the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, timeless values that bring people together across cultures and generations.
This year's celebration carried special meaning here in Connecticut, as our state is only the second in the nation to officially recognize Diwali as a state ceremonial holiday. This is a wonderful step toward embracing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our communities. |
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| Available Resources For Those In Need |
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As mentioned above, hundreds of people in New Canaan, Ridgefield, and Wilton rely on SNAP benefits and will need an outpouring of support during the lapse in federal food assistance. Please consider donating to any of the events and organizations listed below.
SewaDiwali Food Drive:
- Food drive on Saturday, November 1 (tomorrow)
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. hosted by Middlebrook students
- Stop & Shop in Wilton (5 River Road)
- CLICK HERE for more information
Donate to Wilton Food Pantry today through Thursday, November 20:
- Hosted by Working Moms of Wilton
- Drop off locations at Southern Yankee and Trackside
- Send checks or grocery gift cards to the Wilton Community Assistance Fund at: WCAF, P.O. Box 7051 Wilton, CT 0689
Wilton Food Pantry:
- Drop off non-perishables at Comstock Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Drop off non-perishables at bins by doors at Village Market and Stop & Shop
- Send checks or grocery gift cards to WCAF, P.O. Box 7051 Wilton, CT 06897
- CLICK HERE for more information
Ridgefield Food Pantry:
- Click here to donate
- Checks and/or card donations can also be mailed to: Town Hall "Emergency Fund," 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
New Canaan Food Pantry:
- Click here to donate
- Drop off non-perishables at the New Canaan YMCA main entrance at the new Community Cupboard. Donations will be delivered to the New Canaan Food Pantry
Filling in the Blanks:
- Click here to donate
- Each $10 donation provides a weekend meal bag for a child in need
- Consider volunteering – it’s fun with a group of friends too! Register here
2-1-1:
- Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut.
Connecticut Foodshare:
- Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food or mobile food pantry in a no questions asked, outdoor “farmers market” setting
- Items offered typically include fresh produce and other perishable foods
- Review these frequently asked questions to learn more
- Click here for a map with dates and times of mobile pantry locations
- Text FOODSHARE to 85511 and follow the prompts
Social Service Departments:
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Generation Power CT is gearing up the Emergency Energy Assistance Program Cycle #2. Applications open up on Sunday, November 2 and will run through Monday, November 10! This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials. |
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