State Bond Commission's $100K For Branford Food Pantry Welcomed by Legislators

BRANFORD, CT — Thursday morning, the state Bond Commission voted unanimously to approve $100,000 in funding for the Branford Food Pantry.

State Sen. Christine Cohen and state Representatives Robin Comey and Moira Rader had submitted requests to the Bond Commission for the funding.

"I am so pleased that the Bond Commission approved this vital funding that will help the Branford Food Pantry continue to support our families in need," Cohen said. The Democrat state Senator represents Branford, Guilford, Madison, Killingworth, Durham, East Haven, North Branford, Middlefield.

"Families everywhere are feeling the strain of higher prices, and the work of the Branford Food Pantry has never been so important," Cohen said. "I’m grateful to Jaye (Andrews, President of the Branford Food Pantry) and her team for their work, and to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for approving this funding."

According to the state legislators, the funding will replace aging infrastructure at the Branford Food Pantry, specifically an aging conveyor belt which moves thousands of pounds of food into the Food Pantry every day. The food pantry will also use these funds to upgrade their flooring to a commercial grade flooring for durability and to comply with health regulations, they noted.

"The Branford Food Pantry plays a vital role in supporting families and seniors in our town and I’m proud to support this $100,000 bonding allocation," said Democrat Comey, who represents Branford. "This investment reflects the strength of our partnership between state government and local organizations serving our most vulnerable residents. When we work together, we can deliver real, meaningful support to those who need it most."

The Branford Food Pantry provides groceries to over 200 families every week and provides critical support to Branford families in need.

"Food insecurity is a real and growing challenge for many across our communities, including far too many right here in Branford," Rader, D-Branford and Guilford, said. "This funding will help ensure that the Branford Food Pantry can continue to serve families with dignity, safety, and efficiency at a time when demand remains high. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission, Governor Lamont, and my legislative colleagues for supporting this investment, and to the dedicated staff and volunteers who show up every day to support our neighbors in need."

By the numbers:

• More than 30% of Branford students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs
• 1 in 6 residents struggle with food insecurity
• 4,272 Branford households are struggling to make ends meet, 39% of all households
• Branford is also the home to as many as 3,852 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families with an additional 874 families living in poverty.

"Approval of this bond issue on behalf of the Branford Food Pantry means so much to us,” Andrews said. "We are located on the basement level and each week we move thousands of pounds of food in and out of the Pantry as we serve over 200 Branford households struggling to make ends meet. This funding will enable us to replace our ancient conveyor system—our lifeline for moving so much food—with a safe and reliable conveyor. Additionally, we are able to make interior improvements which will provide a cleaner, healthier environment for our clients and the dozens of volunteers that make the Branford Food Pantry come to life. We are truly grateful to everyone who stood up for our 100% volunteer organization and our community to make this funding possible."