#United States #Stamford #food assistance #Connecticut Foodshare #PMI U.S.

Connecticut Foodshare and PMI U.S. Collaboration

In a significant move to battle food insecurity in Connecticut, Connecticut Foodshare has established a partnership with Philip Morris International’s U.S. division (PMI U.S.). This collaboration aims to enhance the organization's mission of ensuring that no one in Connecticut faces hunger alone. On September 29, a dedicated group of PMI U.S. employees volunteered their time at the Connecticut Foodshare facility in Bridgeport. Their efforts included inspecting and sorting food supplies earmarked for distribution to individuals and families grappling with food insecurity across the region.

Connecticut Foodshare, founded in 1982, is a proud member of the Feeding America network, which serves communities with essential food assistance and strives to address the underlying causes of hunger. The organization relies on partnerships with local nonprofits, volunteers, and supporters to guarantee that every resident of Connecticut has dependable access to the necessary resources for a healthy life.

The need for food assistance in the state has surged, driven by rising living costs related to food, housing, healthcare, and transportation. At the same time, non-profit organizations, including Connecticut Foodshare, face increasing operational expenses while striving to help an escalating number of families in need.

"Addressing hunger calls for a collective effort from the community, and partners like PMI U.S. are crucial in helping us meet our neighbors’ needs," stated Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare. He emphasized how volunteerism and financial support from such partnerships enhance their capacity to provide immediate food assistance while also working towards long-term solutions to build a resilient Connecticut.

Over the past two years, PMI U.S. has provided financial support totaling $120,000 to Connecticut Foodshare’s hunger-relief initiatives. This support has been instrumental in enabling the organization to continue delivering crucial food and assistance to various communities throughout Connecticut.

Lisa Rechsteiner, Director of Civil Society at PMI U.S., highlighted the importance of community engagement, stating, "At PMI U.S., we believe strong communities are formed when organizations collaborate to address local challenges effectively. Connecticut Foodshare plays a vital role in ensuring families have access to nutritious food. We are proud to support this mission through our philanthropy and volunteer efforts. With our WeVolunteer program, PMI U.S. employees can actively make a difference in their communities, and we are honored to partner with Connecticut Foodshare in the fight against hunger."

The future vision of Connecticut Foodshare is one where every resident has access to the food and resources necessary for healthy, productive lives. Through the tireless support of volunteers, donors, and community partners, they remain dedicated to making this vision a reality.

For those unfamiliar, Connecticut Foodshare acts as the food bank for Connecticut, forming part of the nationwide network operated by Feeding America. To provide context, more than 560,000 individuals, equating to roughly 1 in 7 residents, struggle with food insecurity in the state. Alarmingly, this includes over 137,000 children, or about 1 in 5 children in Connecticut. Connecticut Foodshare partners with over 450 local agencies, such as food pantries, community kitchens, and shelters, as well as more than 100 mobile food pantry sites, to distribute essential food to those in need. To learn more about their initiatives or to support their mission, visit their website at ctfoodshare.org.