Saud Anwar

As Rentschler Field Foodshare Distribution Extended Through End of May, Senator Anwar Thanks Antonacci Family for $125,000 Donation

On the same day that Foodshare announced its food distribution at Rentschler Field will continue to May 29, extending its schedule by three weeks, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Antonacci Family Foundation and lauded its generous $125,000 donation to the nonprofit fighting food insecurity. As COVID-19 has harmed Connecticut’s public health and economy, these steps will help make sure members of the public who have lost work or suffered financial setbacks are able to receive food.

“The Antonacci Family’s incredibly generous donation will provide Foodshare with significant resources to help feed Connecticut’s hungry families,” said Sen. Anwar. “As many as one in four of the state’s working population is currently experiencing loss of income, which is a major statewide problem. The Antonacci Family Foundation’s generosity is only one part of the equation, though. Their donation to Foodshare will help the nonprofit continue to provide the important support it has lent the public since this crisis began until our lives can begin to return to normal. I would also like to thank Foodshare CEO Jason Jakubowski and his organization for their hard work and WFSB for their support.”

The Antonacci Family Foundation’s $125,000 donation is the latest of a series of significant donations made by the group, including one made on Tuesday to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The Antonacci Family owns and operates several companies in Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. A $125,000 donation can provide 500,000 meals to food insecure individuals.

Sen. Anwar joined members of the Antonacci family Wednesday as they made the donation, also assisting with food donation distributions at Foodshare.

Additionally, Foodshare is extending its food distribution taking place on weekdays at Rentschler Field in East Hartford by another three weeks. From Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Foodshare volunteers are providing food to as many as 1,200 households per day, as many as 70 percent of clients believed to be new to food insecurity. Those needing to access food distribution should go to 615 Silver Lane in East Hartford between 8:30 a.m. and noon on weekdays; distribution will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

Community members unable to reach East Hartford are asked to text FOODSHARE to 85511, visit foodshare.org/mobile, call 211 or go to www.211ct.org for information on options including food delivery, local food pantries and other assistance.

Those interested in volunteering or donating to Foodshare should visit www.foodshare.org.

Senator Anwar joins others to celebrate the Antonacci Family Foundation’s donation Wednesday.