CT Food Bank May 2008 Newsletter

Walk Recap
As April turned to May, Webster Bank presented the Walk Against Hunger to benefit Connecticut Food Bank in Waterbury and New Haven.  On both days, gray skies made way for brilliant sun and warmer temperatures just in time for the Walkers to step off into the streets.

This year, team-building efforts became the focus via THE CHALLENGE 2008, which asked that groups take on each other to raise more funds and recruit more walkers.  As a result, a record number of teams, such as the Star Wars-inspired "Kloodavians" above, participated in the Walks.  Many of the teams used CFB's online fundraising website, which proved especially popular this year.  Funds raised online more than quadrupled 2007's total, surpassing $17,500.

At the Walks, participants enjoyed upbeat and up tempo music from WJ Productions and refreshments from Bruegger's, Cabot, and General Mills.  For a complete list of sponsors, please scroll down.

This year, Connecticut Food Bank introduced the Heart and Sole Circle, a new club for individuals who raise $500 or more during one Walk season.  Lenora Moore-Turner (at left, with CFB Executive Director Nancy Carrington), a Walker since 1989, was inducted as the Charter Member of the Heart and Sole Circle for her legacy of giving to the Walk in New Haven.  She has raised thousands of dollars through all her years as a participant.

Lenora was again the top individual fundraiser at the New Haven Walk on May 4, tallying more than $4,500.  Those who raised $500 at the Waterbury or New Haven Walks will receive fleece jackets with the Heart and Sole Circle logo, which they can wear with pride at future Walks.

If you raised $500 or more as an individual fundraiser (not as a team member) and did not pick up your redemption post card, please call Special Events Coordinator Stefanie Stevens at (203) 469-5000 or e-mail sstevens@ctfoodbank.org.

Hunger in the News
Farm Bill: The Associated Press reports that a committee compromise has been reached on the Farm Bill after numerous delays and contentious negotiations.  The compromise bill will return to both houses of Congress for passage.  The White House has said it is likely the president will veto the bill, but the House and Senate seems poised for an override.   It is urgent that you contact your Congressional leaders through the Hunger Action Center and encourage them to vote to override any presidential veto on this measure.

The Nutrition Title is the portion of the Farm Bill that affects Connecticut Food Bank and its constituents directly.  It will be increased by more than $10 billion over the next ten years.  Funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) has been indexed for inflation, which is a major victory for food banks, pantries, and those in need.  There are also several improvements to the Food Stamp Program, including a name change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and an increase in the minimum benefit from $10 to $14 per month.

CFB Happenings
The Seventh Annual CANstruction took place at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.  This event, which has grown from year to year, brought in 24,346 pounds of non-perishable food to Connecticut Food Bank.  Area architects from the American Institute of Architects' Connecticut Chapter helped students design and build structures for display in early April.  Please click on the links to read more about Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School's experience and about the Awards Ceremony.

Plant-A-Row:  Please consider helping those in need by providing fresh produce to your local pantry, soup kitchen, or shelter, by planting an extra row of fruit and vegetables when you lay out your garden this spring.  For more information, please go to CFB's website or download the brochure.

Thank you...
To all our Walkers, staff members, and volunteers for their participation.  We express gratitude to our Masters of Ceremonies for the events, including Rebecca Stewart and Logan Byrnes of the FOX-61 Morning Show; Tom Chute of WATR; Joe Geary, Deputy Chief of Staff for Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura; Eric LoRusso of WPLR; New Haven Mayor John DeStefano; Regional President Jeff Klaus and Branch Manager Diane Stewart of Webster Bank; and CFB's Executive Director Nancy Carrington and Special Events Coordinator Stefanie Stevens.

We thank our Presenting Sponsor Webster Bank; Gold Sponsors Bruegger's and UHY, LLP (New Haven); Silver Sponsors Cabot and Casey Family Services; New Haven's Bronze Sponsors CWA Local 1298, the Regional Water Authority, and People's United Bank; Media Sponsors Fox-61 Morning Show, WATR and The Republican-American (Waterbury), and WPLR and The New Haven Register (New Haven); In-Kind sponsors General Mills, WJ Productions, Anthony DeCarlo Photography, ShopRite of Waterbury and West Haven, Jarjura's Farm, Inc. (Waterbury), and Dave McDermott Chevrolet/Hummer (New Haven); and Friends of the Walk Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Great Event Decorations, and New Alliance Bank.

Upcoming Events
May 17
Trader Joe's
Orange
Trader Joe's of 560 Boston Post Road in Orange will host a food drive on Saturday, May 17, during regular store hours.

May 26
Memorial Day
Connecticut Food Bank's offices and warehouses will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

May 29
Painting Class
and Raffle
Branford
Artist Brendan Loughlin, in association with Wink Art & Design, will demonstrate his Pastac technique at a gourmet buffet from 12 - 2:30 p.m. at Foe, An American Bistro, in Branford.  Event cost is $19.99. At the event, Loughlin will raffle off a signed Sunflower painting for $10 per ticket and a signed poster for $1 per ticket.  All raffle proceeds benefit CFB.
Contact Lynn at (203) 404-3122 or lynn@digitalwink.com to RSVP.

June 1
Touch-A-Truck
North Branford
Join CFB for the annual Touch-A-Truck hosted by the North Branford Recreation Department at North Branford Auditorium from 1to 4 p.m.
Please bring non-perishable items to the event and enjoy a kid-friendly day of getting up close and personal with fire trucks, dump trucks, and more!