HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Congresswoman (D) Rosa DeLauro announced on Wednesday that $2 million in federal funds are being awarded to Connecticut Foodshare to expand the nonprofit’s warehouse.
Connecticut Foodshare is the largest centralized source of donated foods in the state. The organization’s CEO said the need for more storage space is a direct result of increased need among Connecticut residents.
“What we’re seeing statewide is an increase in food insecurity at levels that we really haven’t seen since the peak of the pandemic,” said Jason Jakubowski.
Jakubowski said the new federal funds will help Connecticut Foodshare expand its freezer and refrigerator space by up to forty percent.
Advocates expressed deep gratitude for the federal funds.
“The rising cost and tighter food supplies have an impact on me and my family. I depend on the pantries weekly,” said Kim Hart, a New Haven resident and member of the advocacy organization Witness to Hunger.
The $2 million secured for Connecticut Foodshare is part of more than $16 million in federal funds secured by DeLauro in the 2024 funding bill. As the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, DeLauro wields significant influence over federal funds.
For DeLauro, the investment in Connecticut Foodshare represents a moral and policy priority. “People are hungry,” she said. “And there’s no reason for people in the United States-man, woman, or child-to be hungry here. We have food.”
