Coronavirus Stamford: Food Bank Needs Donations, Mayor Says
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff • March 19, 2020
Mayor David Martin has issued a statement in response to concerns about food insecurity in Stamford.
STAMFORD, CT — On Wednesday, Mayor David Martin issued a statement in response to concerns about food insecurity in Stamford. According to Martin, the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, located in Stamford, is urgently in need of donations as the state, and the nation, grapples with the new coronavirus.
In a statement, Martin said the virus, also referred to as COVID-19, will "likely dramatically increase" the amount of food insecure households across the nation, pointing to reasons such as lost income and rises in food prices as a result of the virus.
"The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County needs your help now," Martin said in a statement "As the economic impact on families and children grow — so does their need for your help. We are already beginning to see how devastating the COVID-19 [situtaion] is becoming. We cannot afford to wait. We need for you to act now."
Martin asked that residents consider donating food or making a contribution to the food bank as the situation continues to unfold. He also said he would be making a donation of $250 to the food bank and encouraged other to join him.
"You can't imagine how much this will make a difference," Martin said.
The food bank's website also emphasizes a need for donations during this time due to the "unprecedented demand for food" caused by the virus.
"Please consider making a food or monetary donation that will help us ensure families have access to nutritious food during this difficult time," the website reads. "If there was ever a time to pull together as a community, the time is now."
A local Easter tradition continues for the 18th consecutive year as SPLURGE partners with Kids In Crisis and The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County to collect filled Easter baskets for children in need. Located at 39 Lewis Street, SPLURGE provides a convenient downtown location for members of the community to donate filled Easter baskets now through Wednesday, April 16th. Freccia Brothers at 246 West Putnam Avenue has joined SPLURGE and is also a drop off point for baskets. SPLURGE owner Sonia Sotire Malloy shared, “I’m excited to announce our 18th annual Easter basket collection for two wonderful local organizations, Kids In Crisis and The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. With the help of our friends Guinevere Freccia and Diane Warzoha, last year we were able to deliver almost 200 Easter baskets to local kids in need, and since 2008, we have collected and delivered nearly 2,600 baskets. We are so grateful for our incredible customers and many local civic groups that have embraced this program over the years. Last year Easter was early which made collecting a bit more difficult due to the compressed timeline. This year our goal is to collect 300 baskets, which is 50% more than last year, and we hope to deliver even more smiles on Easter morning.” Shari Shapiro, Executive Director of Kids In Crisis, says, “Sonia and her customers at SPLURGE have brightened the day of the children served at Kids in Crisis. Seeing smiles on the children’s faces means the world to us and we are so appreciative.” Duncan Lawson, Executive Director of The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County added, "Providing Easter baskets to children is essential for helping them feel included and reducing stigma among their peers. It is crucial for us at The Food Bank to level the playing field for those who are less fortunate, so they are not marginalized in their formative years." Cellophane wrapped Easter baskets can be filled with items for children ages 2 to 17 and can include toys, journals, games, personal care items, gift cards, packaged healthy snacks and traditional Easter candy. Please contact Sonia Sotire Malloy at sonia@splurgegifts.com if your school or organization is interested in contributing to the SPLURGE Easter Basket Drive.
Big news! The Food Bank has again been chosen for the Bloomin’ 4 Good Program! Buy a bouquet (at Stop & Shop, 25 Old King's Highway N, Darien CT) in MARCH to help us fight hunger! #Bloomin4Good #MakeADifference
The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County is excited to announce the appointment of Duncan Lawson as Executive Director. With over a decade of experience in the local nonprofit sector, Duncan brings a wealth of knowledge, motivation, and leadership to the role. “I am overjoyed to join The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County. My goal is to build on the solid foundation that has already been established and to collaborate with our current community partners and to expand our services more broadly throughout Fairfield County to ensure that no one in our region goes hungry.” said Duncan. Prior to joining The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Duncan served as Operations & Food Resource Manager at Neighbor to Neighbor since 2014. He also served as interim Executive Director at Neighbor to Neighbor in 2023. Duncan’s strong connection to the community and mission driven work history, make him uniquely qualified to lead our efforts and support local families. The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County looks forward to working alongside Duncan to enhance food distribution efforts and build a more sustainable future for the Fairfield County community.
As her tenure as Executive Director comes to a close after 25 years, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate Lombardo for her hard work and commitment to building and growing The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County into the strong position it is in today. Kate initially worked as a volunteer and council member through the program of the Council of Churches and Synagogues. In January 2003, Kate was instrumental in having The Food Bank become an independent entity with its own board of directors. Today The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inc. is a fully recognized non-profit charity and is the only food bank located in lower Fairfield County. Without Kate's emotional speaking about her own experiences with poverty growing up and how her family persevered thanks to community support and the hard work of her mother, Kate shed a spotlight on hunger in America. Additionally, Kate advocated tirelessly to address the issue of those in need in lower Fairfield County, which is often overlooked and underserved by lawmakers and is considered the "Gold Coast". Thanks to Kate, our local soup kitchens, food pantries, childcare programs, homeless shelters, senior centers, domestic violence safe houses, and rehabilitation programs can get the food needed for our community. Please join us in applauding Kate as she transitions from leading The Food Bank for these last decades and transitions to serving on the Board of Directors.
Clean up and stay healthy this New Year! This January, support your community by donating personal care or household cleaning products. Your contribution can make a difference! www.foodbanklfc.org/how-to-help
The holiday season is a time for giving and The Food Bank is excited to be a part of spreading holiday cheer through our Toys for Tots toy drive. You can help by donating a new, unwrapped toy to our location now through Friday, December 20. By donating a toy, you're helping to bring a smile to a child's face during the holiday season. It's a small act that can make a big difference. We encourage everyone to participate in this worthy cause. Together, we can make the holiday season brighter for countless children in our community. For more information, visit toysfortots.org
Stop by Stop & Shop on Bedford Street in Stamford now through the end of the month and pick up a "Bloomin' 4 Good" Bouquet! Every purchase helps support The Food Bank – the perfect way to add a little extra beauty to your Holiday table, thank your host, or surprise someone special!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a purpose and treat yourself to NYC's Ooey Gooey Viral Sensation– Chip City Cookies! Until January 4, 25% of every Jumbo 6-Cookie Box Special goes back to The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County Inc. when you order through our fundraising page. Just order online and redeem at a participating Chip City location. Box includes: 6 Chip City Cookies of your choice (flavors vary upon date and location). Get your cookies here: http://grouprai.se/chipcity51302s
Please scan the CT Gives QR Code to vote for The Food Bank as we try to win a $10,000 advertising grant with Hearst CT Media Group to help further our mission to feed those in need in our community. We thank you in advance for your support!
Priceline has supported The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County for 20 years to help feed those in need in the six town area that we serve. On November 12, their Holiday Food Drive brought in 14, 067 pounds of food. We greatly appreciate their support and value this long-lasting relationship!