In Hartford, about one in five people go hungry each day, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
HARTFORD, Conn. — From the smallest fans, to the biggest hearts, generosity flowed through Hartford’s XL Saturday in an effort to tackle food insecurity.
As the Hartford Wolf Pack faced off against the Providence Bruins, donations of food from across the state poured in for Hands on Hartford.
“I can see the momentum already. The doors just opened, and we’re already having folks come in and stop by and drop off their canned goods and non-perishables,” said Brianna Boirie, with the Hands on Hartford nonprofit. “All of the food that we collect today will go straight to our community pantry… Last year, we raised over 1,000 pounds of food, so we’re happy to be back and do it again.”
In Hartford, about one in five people go hungry each day according to data from the US Census Bureau, and more than 465,000 people across Connecticut face some form of food insecurity according to Connecticut Food Share.
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But the food raised at the XL Center, and the support it will offer the pantry, help Hands on Hartford support more than 1,000 families a month. It’s an initiative that spoke to Danbury couple Anthony Tomassi and Kelsey Dworjan, who donated food before the Wolf Pack game.
“We decided we wanted to come to Hartford, support the local community, do something for the community by giving back and watch a sport we all really love,” said Tomassi.
“And, for such a good cause is always amazing; get to spread some good vibes,” said Dworjan.
“I think it goes to show how important this is to our community members. It’s not just folks right here in Hartford, it spreads all over the state. And, we’re able to bring in generosity and positive impact from all over,” added Boirie.
All of the food raised will be loaded onto trucks on Monday. If you missed out on your chance to donate food at the XL Center over the weekend, Hands on Hartford is always accepting donations and is looking for volunteers.
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Steffen Reals is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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