Food insecurity touches literally every community across America. Yes, literally 100% of counties and congressional districts are home to people facing hunger, including ours. 

Hunger rates surged at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, returned to near pre-pandemic levels with the help of emergency measures, and have only crept steadily back up since mid-2021— a backslide following years of progress. The most recent data reports are from 2023, but as we, and others in the field, can tell you, the demand for hunger solutions keeps going up. Summer Weekend Meal registration reached an all-time high this year, and Fresh Food on the Move has already delivered over a million pounds of needed grocery items. We’re currently preparing for record registration in the fall as well. Along with all of the national hunger organizations, we’re expecting this trend of increased demand to continue. 

Locally, families have benefited from free school meals made possible by American Rescue Plan dollars, but those funds have run out, and a Connecticut state legislative bill that would have provided free lunch to all students failed to pass.

Families that relied on school meals last year will face the added strain of covering more food related expenses in the year ahead.  Melona Cruz, a single parent of three, shared her anxieties with NBC Connecticut, “I’m living check to check. It’s really tough out there now, especially with the rising costs of food and gas and everything else.” As reported, the cost of lunch for her three children would total $1,890 a school year.

Many local families experiencing food insecurity—over 40% in Connecticut and even higher in areas of New York that we serve—face the added hurdle of not qualifying for SNAP, the federal program intended to help. They remain stuck, not having resources to buy enough food, yet exceeding program income limits. Recent federal policy and budget changes are expected to push even more families into these difficult circumstances. 

As we prepare for the new school year, please consider ways you can support our food and meal programs. From volunteering to fundraising, and of course your generous donations, your support makes Filling in the Blanks possible.