​Staneski Testifies on Proposal to Feed People More In-Need

From the Office of the Representative: State Rep. Pam Staneski (R-119) testified on a House Resolution in the Government Administration and Elections Committee today that would encourage donations of excess food to nonprofit organizations to feed food-insecure people.

Staneski testified to the committee that this resolution is not a ‘mandate’ for donations, but does serve as a way to raise awareness of the need to support those important community organizations that help feed those who otherwise may not have enough eat.

According to 211 Counts data, in the last year there were over 18,300 inquires seeking information on food pantries, soup kitchens, and food sources. A blog on the Connecticut Food Bank website tells the story of a single mother who “was trying to figure out the minimum I have to eat so I can afford more nutritious food for my growing 13-year-old son”. As any parent would, she was willing to go hungry in order to provide more healthy food for him.

“In my hometown of Milford there are many programs that provide food, from the Food Pantry at our Senior Center to a wonderful program Food 2 Kids that fills in the gaps by providing weekend bagged lunches to students on a weekly basis,” said Rep. Staneski. “This resolution makes sense—it requests that our state agencies and contractors think about the positive social impact a small donation of food can have on the lives of the 1 in 8 people in our state who struggle with hunger. “

According to the United States Department Agriculture (USDA), to be food insecure —is a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.

The Connecticut Food Bank testified at the public hearing in favor of the resolution encouraging the donation of wholesome excess food directly to agencies serving food insecure populations.

The legislation, House Joint Resolution 45, Encouraging the Donation of Excess Food to Nonprofit Organizations to Feed Food-Insecure People now awaits further committee action.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Representative