Food banks across the country are seeing significant increases in the number of food-insecure individuals as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. With schools closed and thousands of people furloughed, facing layoffs, or working reduced hours, the fear and uncertainty of not knowing where the next meal will come from is heightened.
Connecticut Food Bank, based in Wallingford, Conn., distributes food through a network of 600 partners and programs across the state and served an average of more than 144,000 people each month before the pandemic. In the past month, more people are turning to Connecticut Food Bank than ever.

When the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation announced its $1.25 million in emergency grants in March to support health- and hunger-relief organizations, Connecticut Food Bank applied immediately. Within 24 hours, the organization had a check in hand, enabling the food bank to increase its weekly distribution by 20%, which is equivalent to 100,000 lbs. more food distributed than in a typical week.

“It is more important than ever that all people continue to have access to nutritious food and the resources they need to stay safe, healthy, and secure during this difficult time.” said Beverly Catchpole, Senior Director of Development at Connecticut Food Bank, “This funding has helped us significantly increase our ability to provide food through our network of partner agencies. We greatly appreciate the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s support as we work together to overcome new challenges in this health crisis.”

You can help support organizations like the Connecticut Food Bank by donating to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s COVID-19 relief fund on our website at www.joyinchildhoodfoundation.com.
To-date, through funding provided by Dunkin’, its franchisees, and its Foundation, hundreds of thousands of complimentary cups of coffee, donuts, Keurig® K-Cup pods, and Dunkin’ gift cards were delivered to more than 300 hospitals and emergency sites, and counting. Let’s keep going. Want to thank a local hero for all that they do? Send them a Dunkin’ Gift Card at DunkinCoffeeBreak.com. For every card sent, Dunkin’ will donate $1, up to $100,000, to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation emergency funds specifically for non-profits helping families affected by COVID-19. Stay informed on our response to COVID-19 here and follow the stories of how our Dunkin’ community is coming together to keep America running here.
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