coronavirus connecticut

Coronavirus News: Connecticut Food Bank distributing 39 tons of food in Norwalk

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Thursday, May 14, 2020

39 tons of food handed out in record CT food drive

Marcus Solis reports from the scene of the charity effort that donated more than 61,000 meals to those in need.

NORWALK, Connecticut (WABC) -- Food insecurity is a growing problem in Connecticut amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and the Connecticut Food Bank continues to step up to feed those in need.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling are joining the Connecticut Food Bank Thursday at a drive-thru mobile pantry event at the Veteran's Memorial Park and Marina in Fairfield County, the organization's largest hunger relief effort to date.

Approximately 39 tons of food will be distributed, which is equivalent to 61,000 meals.

The mobile food pantry now accommodates two lanes of cars, doubling the efficiency, in an effort to meet the ever-growing need.

Hundreds of vehicles lined up early in the morning circling the park.

The Connecticut Food Bank has been coordinating mobile food distribution sites at various locations throughout the state, with volunteers handing out groceries from vegetables and fruit to soups and chili.

Drivers are told not to stop as they drive by with an open trunk or window as nearly 50 pounds of food is placed or tossed into the moving vehicle.

Additionally, the parking lot at the Hamden Middle School is now a drop-off and pick-up center for donated food items for the Connecticut Food Bank.

Since the beginning of the virus, the food bank has seen a huge increase in people needing assistance.