Category Archives: Volunteers

Quota International of New Haven received the 2013 Excellence in Food Banking Award in Volunteer Service at the annual Feeding America Network Executive Directors’ meeting in Nashville this month for its ongoing commitment to Connecticut Food Bank.  The group was named the top volunteer organization among those who work with the more than 200 food banks in the national Feeding America network.  Since its members began volunteering with Connecticut Food Bank in 2006, they have logged more than 2,000 hours of service.  It all began when Quota members were seeking volunteer opportunities that would match one of the club’s international service missions – to help disadvantaged women and children – with the food bank’s work to alleviate hunger.  As a result, the club was instrumental in the start up of Connecticut Food Bank’s Kids’ BackPack Program.  Quota Club members continue to volunteer three days each month to pack nutritious food...
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Connecticut Food Bank is participating in a national research project, Hunger in America 2014, the largest study of charitable food assistance in America. Results from the study will help Connecticut Food Bank gain a better understanding about the types of programs, services and resources its member food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters provide to the individuals and families who struggle with hunger.  Volunteers are needed to help collect data from clients on-site at food-assistance agencies from mid-April through August 2013. This is one of the most critical parts of the study, as it allows Connecticut Food Bank to hear directly from clients and respond to their needs. Those interested in helping with the data gathering process, can apply online at www.ctfoodbank.org by clicking the “Volunteering” button and scrolling down to the Hunger in America 2014 information. Volunteers must be 19 years or over and live in Connecticut during the...
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You may have seen it on the news yesterday.   Hundreds waited in line to donate nonperishable food and personal care products to Connecticut Food Bank, warm clothing to the Salvation Army and dollars to the American Red Cross to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts here in Connecticut. Vehicles stuffed with bags and boxes of groceries lined Sargent Drive in New Haven leading into IKEA, as well as at the Sears parking lot in West Hartford.  Today, we’re still unloading pallets of food and personal care items, but so far we have more than 200,000 pounds! The generosity is much appreciated as people who are struggling financially must replace the food items they had to throw away after losing power.  Our network of 600 food assistance programs throughout six counties are expecting an even greater demand for their services in the weeks ahead. There are so many people and organizations...
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We have two immediate ongoing volunteer opportunities at our East Haven office at 150 Bradley Street.  If you are interested in any of the following volunteer positions, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Kim Damien at 203-469-5000, ext. 311, or email kdamien@ctfoodbank.org.  Warehouse help needed Connecticut Food Bank needs one volunteer each day, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon; and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at our East Haven warehouse to assist with sorting food donations. This is an ongoing opportunity and not a one visit situation. The days can be covered by the same volunteer each day or by a different volunteer each day.   BackPack delivery assistant A BackPack delivery assistant is needed each Thursday morning during the school year.  The volunteer will ride with a staff member to participating schools and help unload the boxes and carry them inside. The right volunteer will be able to lift and carry 35-40...
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Connecticut Food Bank recently honored Hunger Action Heroes at an awards ceremony attended by nearly 200 at its East Haven warehouse, which also recognized Connecticut Food Bank’s 30th Anniversary serving the community.  The heroes are individuals, businesses and organizations that go above and beyond to support Connecticut Food Bank in its mission to alleviate hunger in Connecticut.  The ceremony is held annually in September, designated as Hunger Action Month. Connecticut Food Bank’s Founder, Mark Patton, Executive Director at Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, was presented with the 30th Anniversary Hunger Action Hero Award by Nancy L. Carrington, Connecticut Food Bank’s President & CEO. Patton founded Connecticut Food Bank at Christian Community Action (CCA) of New Haven, from a borrowed desk and telephone.  Christian Community Action was presented with The Bill Liddell Award – the highest tribute paid by Connecticut Food Bank to an individual, organization or corporation in recognition of...
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Our Kids’ BackPack Program recently received a major boost from 300 Dunkin’ Donuts corporate employees. For the second consecutive year the “BackPack Pack-a-Thon” event at the Mohegan Sun Arena was held to determine which Dunkin’ Donuts employee team could fill the most bags with nutritious food in an hour.  In the weeks and days leading up to the event, teams with names like “Brew Crew,” “Top Javas” and “Raise the Dough,” practiced and strategized on how they could outperform the others and win the coveted “Golden BackPack” award from Connecticut Food Bank. In the end, more than 7,500 bags were filled with healthy food for more than 2,000 Connecticut children who receive the food on weekends when they don’t have access to school meals.    In addition, The Dunkin Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation presented Connecticut Food Bank with a $6,000 donation to support the Kids’ BackPack Program. “Connecticut Food Bank...
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Are you looking for a way to give back to your community on an ongoing basis?  Connecticut Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help with a very important nutritional program that helps improve the lives of people who struggle to put food on the table.  Read the description below, and if interested, we encourage you to contact our Volunteer Coordinator Kim Damien, kdamien@ctfoodbank.org  or 203-469-5000. What/Where:  Volunteers are needed to assist with the Mobile Food Pantry distribution at the Brennan- Rogers School in New Haven on the third Thursday of each month through the remainder of the school year. When: 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Why: This program distributes fresh produce, whole grain and dairy items to families whose children attend the school. Requirements: Volunteers must enjoy helping people, have the ability to lift 25 pounds, and ability to withstand varying weather conditions (this is an outdoor event). This opportunity is...
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Connecticut Food Bank recently honored our Hunger Action Heroes at an awards ceremony attended by more than 100 at our East Haven warehouse. The heroes are individuals, businesses and organizations that go above and beyond to support Connecticut Food Bank in its mission to alleviate hunger in Connecticut. The ceremony is held annually in September, designated as Hunger Action Month. “You are our heroes in many ways, but more importantly you are our inspiration, making a difference in the lives of the men, women and children who depend on us for food,” Connecticut Food Bank President & CEO Nancy L. Carrington told the honorees. “We thank you for your extraordinary service on behalf of our mission to alleviate hunger in Connecticut.” Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro was presented with The Bill Liddell Award – the highest tribute paid by Connecticut Food Bank to an individual, organization or corporation in recognition of...
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Connecticut Food Bank recently dedicated its new “Giving Garden” to encourage home and community gardeners and farmers to plant an extra row of produce as part of its Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign. East Haven Mayor April Capone planted the garden’s last tomato plant at a dedication ceremony attended by the local businesses who donated vegetable plants, as well as volunteers who are donating their time this summer to tend the garden. You can watch the event on East Haven Patch. The Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign’s goal is to increase the number of gardeners, farmers, schools, places of worship, youth and community groups and businesses that make a difference by adding a row of seedbeds or donating their surplus produce to Connecticut Food Bank and other local hunger-relief organizations. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law and donor receipts are provided. “Every extra...
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Connecticut Food Bank’s 35th Annual Greater New Haven Walk Against Hunger on May 1 presented by Webster Bank exceeded expectations, with a record number of walkers coming out to help alleviate hunger in Connecticut. Thank you to all the walkers, member programs and volunteers who made the event one of the most successful ever! We know many enjoyed the walk, music, food and lawn games on a spectacular Sunday afternoon in May! Congratulations to the Greater New Haven Spirit Award winners: Best Team Name: UNH Strawberry Striders Best Team Costume: Fabulous Females for Food Best Team Spirit: Master’s Manna of Wallingford And special thanks to New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Miss Connecticut Junior Preteen Mikayla Raffone and John Voket from 99.1 WPLR for helping to rally the crowd before they hit the pavement. Check out Walk photos donated by Stefanie Kapra of Photography and More on Connecticut Food Bank’s Facebook...
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