Connecticut pizzerias to participate in ‘Pizza Across America’ donation day

Two Connecticut charitable organizations will receive large pizza donations Tuesday, as part of a nationwide initiative on National Pizza Day.

Proof Pizza Truck, based in Bridgeport, and E&D Pizza Company of Avon will be part of a simultaneous donation effort with the Pizza Across America campaign on Feb. 9. Pizzerias across the country will join the World Pizza Champions, a group of pizza industry leaders, in supporting their neighbors in need.

Participating businesses are encouraged to donate at least 10 large pizzas to local food banks, shelters, or care centers of their choice.

Proof owners Lenny and Jennifer DeGirolomo said they’re excited to participate in the large-scale campaign. Their pizza will go to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, which provides food, shelter, clothing, and other assistance programs for the homeless.

“We’re just trying to do our part. If a slice of our pizza can put a smile on somebody’s face and be able to provide them with a meal, that’s what it’s all about, being there for each other,” Lenny said.

Proof, which launched in 2017, began selling its wood-fired pies at farmers’ markets and now services private parties, corporate events, weddings, and other gatherings. In recent weeks, the truck has parked regularly at Veracious Brewing Company in Monroe, and offered “Home Slice” pizza kits for pickup and delivery.

Michael Androw, owner of E&D Pizza Company in Avon, said he’s planning to double the amount, bringing 20 pizzas to House of Bread in Hartford. The organization offers food, housing, shelter, education, medical, psychological, and legal services to people in need in the greater Hartford community.

Androw, who opened his pizzeria in 2014, said he didn’t hesitate to get involved with the project, even as the restaurant industry has had its own struggles with the impact of COVID-19.

“I think I speak for a lot of people when I say we take [luxuries] for granted,” Androw said.

The Pizza Across America campaign is organized by Slice Out Hunger, a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that produces pizza-related events and campaigns to support American hunger relief and prevention measures. The organization has raised over $1,000,000 to fund hunger relief efforts in the U.S. since 2009, according to a statement.