Sen. Cohen, Reps. Comey, Rader Welcome $100k for Branford Food Pantry

For Immediate Release
Contact: Garnet McLaughlin – Garnet.McLaughlin@cga.ct.gov – 860-304-2319
 

BRANFORD – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen and State Representatives Robin Comey and Moira Rader welcomed $100,000 for the Branford Food Pantry. The state Bond Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to approve the funding.
 
Senator Cohen and Representatives Comey and Rader submitted requests to the Bond Commission for this funding. The funding will replace aging infrastructure at the Branford Food Pantry, specifically an aging conveyor belt which moves thousands of pounds of food into the Food Pantry everyday. The food pantry will also use these funds to upgrade their flooring to a commercial grade flooring for durability and to comply with health regulations.
 
The Branford Food Pantry provides groceries to over 200 families every week and provides critical support to Branford families in need:

• More than 30% of Branford students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs
• 1 in 6 residents struggle with food insecurity
• 4,272 Branford households are struggling to make ends meet, 39% of all households
• Branford is also the home to as many as 3,852 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families with an additional 874 families living in poverty.

 
“I am so pleased that the Bond Commission approved this vital funding that will help the Branford Food Pantry continue to support our families in need,” said Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Branford, Guilford, Madison, Killingworth, Durham, East Haven, North Branford, Middlefield). “Families everywhere are feeling the strain of higher prices, and the work of the Branford Food Pantry has never been so important. I’m grateful to Jaye and her team for their work, and to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for approving this funding.”
 
“The Branford Food Pantry plays a vital role in supporting families and seniors in our town and I’m proud to support this $100,000 bonding allocation. This investment reflects the strength of our partnership between state government and local organizations serving our most vulnerable residents. When we work together, we can deliver real, meaningful support to those who need it most,” said Rep. Robin Comey (D-Branford).
 
“Food insecurity is a real and growing challenge for many across our communities, including far too many right here in Branford,” said Rep. Moira Rader (D-Branford & Guilford). “This funding will help ensure that the Branford Food Pantry can continue to serve families with dignity, safety, and efficiency at a time when demand remains high. I’m grateful to the Bond Commission, Governor Lamont, and my legislative colleagues for supporting this investment, and to the dedicated staff and volunteers who show up every day to support our neighbors in need.” 
 
“Approval of this bond issue on behalf of the Branford Food Pantry means so much to us,” said Jaye Andrews, President of the Branford Food Pantry. “We are located on the basement level and each week we move thousands of pounds of food in and out of the Pantry as we serve over 200 Branford households struggling to make ends meet. This funding will enable us to replace our ancient conveyor system—our life line for moving so much food—with a safe and reliable conveyor. Additionally, we are able to make interior improvements which will provide a cleaner, healthier environment for our clients and the dozens of volunteers that make the Branford Food Pantry come to life. We are truly grateful to everyone who stood up for our 100% volunteer organization and our community to make this funding possible.”