The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
United Way, city, church to distribute fresh food to help needy during pandemic
MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex United Way is working with the city of Middletown and Fellowship Church to distribute fresh produce boxes as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers to Families Food Box Program.
The USDA has been partnering with farmers, ranchers, specialty crop producers, food processors, food distributors and nonprofit organizations to ensure that people have access to the fresh and wholesome food they need due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The distribution will be a contactless, drivethrough distribution with families staying in their car throughout the entire process. We ask that you drive up to Fellowship Church in Middletown, 1002 Saybrook Road, at the Brooks Road entrance, and a box will be placed in your car. Please watch for signs and volunteers to guide you.
This is open to all residents, regardless of where you live. There are no income guidelines for receiving food assistance through the program.
The upcoming distribution, Sept. 21 from noon to 4 p.m., will be first-come, first-serve. Volunteers will safely place your produce box in your car while wearing protective masks and gloves.
The program has distributed more than 75 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month, the Middlesex United Way partnered with the Cromwell Fire Department and state Rep. Christie Carpino to distribute 35,000 pounds of fresh produce to families in Middlesex County.
A total of 1,400 boxes were donated to families experiencing pandemicrelated food insecurity.
Laura Santa Maria from Fellowship Church explained her involvement. “We are grateful to be part of this opportunity to distribute fresh produce to people in need. It’s a tangible way to show love to our neighbors.”
Families and individuals already struggling with food security have been especially challenged by the pandemic, as thousands of residents have lost their jobs and many with health conditions are fearful to enter crowded grocery stores. Volunteers have stepped up in this time of need and continue to amaze us. We are all in this together and are again reminded how important it is to give back to the community you love.
To continue our increased focus on basic needs, including food insecurity, we currently fund the Amazing Grace food pantry and Shoreline Soup
Kitchens and Pantry.
One box per household will be distributed and no pre-orders will be accepted. No identification is necessary.
Christina Heckart is the community impact director at the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.