New Baldanza Soups Line Helps Fight Hunger in Connecticut
NEW CANAAN, CONN., March 23, 2016 – Restaurateurs Angela and Sandy Baldanza are launching a new line of Baldanza Soup Kitchen natural soups and are dedicating a portion of proceeds from sales of the soup to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank. The soups, on sale at Walter Stewart’s in New Canaan, will be available for sampling at the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution event Saturday, May 14, at the Pop Up Park in New Canaan. Food Revolution Day is a family-friendly event aimed at getting kids excited about food.
The Baldanzas, who have built a loyal following in New Canaan with their farm-to-table fresh cuisine, have launched the Baldanza Soup Kitchen line of natural ingredient soups that will sell in area markets and are earmarking 2% of proceeds from sales to support the programs and services of the Connecticut Food Bank. The soups are currently available at Walter Stewart’s in New Canaan and coming soon to other area stores.
Through a network of community-based programs, the Connecticut Food Bank provides food to more than 300,000 people in six Connecticut counties who struggle with hunger. Last year, working with local food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and day programs serving children and seniors, the Connecticut Food Bank distributed enough food to prepare nearly 18.5 million meals.
Packaging a range of soups that would nourish both the diner and Connecticut residents in need was the Baldanzas’ idea. Angela Baldanza said the couple “firmly believe in ‘paying it forward,’ so we reached out to the Connecticut Food Bank to explore how we could help feed hungry people in our community. It just seemed natural to do something focused on bringing food to people in need.”
Initial Baldanza Soup Kitchen offerings are Green Lentil soup and Butternut Squash soup. “We make these soups using fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible. They are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free,” Angela Baldanza said. Download the Butternut Squash soup recipe here..
Connecticut Food Bank Interim CEO Paul O’Leary thanked the Baldanzas for their partnership. “By donating a portion of funds from the sale of these soups, Angela and Sandy Baldanza are sharing the bounty of their kitchen with hungry neighbors. We are grateful for their support.”
Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Day will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Pop Up Park in New Canaan. The event will feature music, food and activities for children, including issuing “Bravery Passports” featuring local restaurants and shops for children to explore on a “food trail” that will expose them to new tastes and healthy food choices. Event host is Chef Plum of Plum Luv Foods in Newtown and a winner of Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games. Connecticut Food Bank staff will be sharing information about their work in the community. Attendees are invited to bring nonperishable food items for a food drive being held that day as well. For more information and to register your children for Bravery Passports, visit www.rachellampen.com/food-revolution.
For information about Baldanza Natural Market Café, visit http://www.baldanzabc.com/.
About the Connecticut Food Bank:
The Connecticut Food Bank is the state’s non-profit leader in the fight against hunger and the largest provider of charitably donated food. The Connecticut Food Bank partnered with the food industry, food growers, donors and volunteers to provide enough food last year to prepare more than 18.5 million meals. We distribute that food through a network of community based programs to more than 300,000 people across six Connecticut counties. Visit us on the web at www.ctfoodbank.org, like us on Facebook and follow @CTFoodBank on Twitter and Instagram.