The photos are a testimony about the incredible charitable contributions of our volunteers and community.

“The Lunch Bunch” is a collaborative effort to provide free boxed lunches, drinks, and activities to children from June 28 to August 27, 2010. The need for this program arises from the increase in the level of poverty from 14% to 28% in Enfield since 2000. This increase makes the Thompsonville area of Enfield eligible for the program. The Food Shelf was asked to assume responsibility as the site host for the summer free lunch program in collaboration with the CT Department of Education, Community Renewal Team, End Hunger Connecticut!, Foodshare, United Way of North Central Connecticut, Town of Enfield (CT) Social Services Department, Pastor John Weaver and St. Patrick’s parish, and Karen Jarmoc, State Representative – 59th District. We received grants from the United Way of North Central Connnecticut and Foodshare; and, with Federal funding for the meal service, provided by the Connecticut Renewal Team, these grants funded the project. We hired two employees to direct and supervise the program.

After weeks of planning, the program opened on June 28 and continued through August 27 at St. Patrick's parish hall. Children (18 and under) enjoyed free meals, provided by the Connecticut Renewal Team, and participated in educational and entertaining activities each day.

(below l/ to r) 1- Maria Savio - EFS volunteer, Allison Keller (United Way), Bonney Durocher ( Lunch Bunch Site Director), State Representative Karen Jarmoc, and Lorri Valle (Lunch Bunch Site Supervisor) begin the planning for the summer free lunch project. 2- Allison Keller ( United Way), Susannah Hogendorn (United Way), Pam Brown (Director of Enfield Social Services), and Maria Savio (EFS volunteer) develop plans for publicity. 3- Christina colors while Krista Ostaszewski (Foodshare), Liz Buczynski (United Way), and Dawn Crayco (EHCT!) discuss flyers and posters 4- (3rd from l.) Lorri Valle (Lunch Bunch Site Supervisor) updates everyone about plans for activities..

(below l/ to r) State Representative Karen Jarmoc, host of "Karen's Korner," interviews (l. to r.) Linda Bridge, Food Shelf Executive Director, and Lorri Valle, Lunch Bunch Site Supervisor, about the summer free lunch program.

(below l/ to r) 1- Krista Ostaszewski (Foodshare), and Dawn Crayco (CRT) listen as Jane Coggins (CRT) explains procedures for distributing free lunches. 2 - Connor (substiture employee), Lorri Valle ( Lunch Bunch Site Supervisor), and Samantha (substitute employee) take notes about the procedures. 3- Lorri Valle (Lunch Bunch Site Supervisor), Samantha (substitute employee), and Winnie Kibbe (volunteer) share ideas. 4- Thom Prescott (EFS substituite employee), Ernesto Rios (CRT), and Stephanie Belding (CRT) listen to questions about the project.

(below l/ to r) 5- Susan Gravitch, Elizabeth Mangan, and Larry Dube from ERFC's "Summer Escape" and Dianna Wassenhove (Enfield Child Development) receive information about procedures for their closed site.

THE LUNCH BUNCH "Fab Five plus 3"

The summer free lunch program is under the supervision of the "Fab Five plus 3", a group of dedicated, understanding, and capable women. Pictured below are (l.-r.): Lorrie Valle- Site Supervisor, Samantha Hellyar- Substitute Employee/Volunteer, Isaiah (Bonney's grandson) and Bonney Durocher- Site Director, Winnie Kibbe- Volunteer and son Logan, and Christina (Maria's daughter) and Maria Savio- Volunteer. This group oversees all aspects of the project - cleaning and preparing the site, receiving the lunches and drinks, distributing the meals, scheduling and supervising the activities and volunteers, ordering the meals, and cleaning and closing the parish hall. They are truly the "Fab Five plus 3," and we are very fortunate to have them.

Lunch Bunchers must sanitize their hands, dispose of leftover food and empty cartons, place each in the trash, and recycle styrofoam plates. The lunches are a variety of nutritious sandwiches, fruits, snacks and drinks.

(below l/ to r) 1- Bonney Durocher-Site Director, MaryEllen Killeen- EFS Board member, and Maria Savio - Volunteer await the Lunch Bunchers. 2. Isaiah looks anxiously at his lunch while volunteer Thom Prescott and Roger LeBlanc, Food Shelf Board President, prepare to distribute the meals. 3- Pastor John Weaver helps a lunch buncher with a stubborn carton, and State Representative Karen Jarmoc talks with kids. 4- A mom and her children enjoy the lunch.

(below l. to r.) 1 & 2- Lunch bunchers are having fun while a mom helps her children with lunch. 3- Bonny and Maria help Isaiah and Christina with their lunches. 4- Representative Jarmoc, Chair of the United Way of North Central Connecticut's Advisory Board, and Pastor John exchange humorous stories.

(below l. to r.) 1 & 2- Jahzani and D'Onya perform hip-hop. Mikey plays his guitar.

(below l. to r.) 1 & 2- Grace and Karen Jarmoc help with craft projects. 3 & 4 Kirsten Chasse-UCONN graduate student explains "The Food Pyramid."

(below l. to r.) 1- Lorri Valle, Site Supervisor, welcomes lunch bunchers and their parents 2- Danny, a CRT employee, delivers the boxed lunches and drinks. 3-Bonney Durocher, Site Director, accepts the delivery. 4- A lunch buncher shows her "sillibandz."

(below l. to r.) 1 & 2 - Magician "Erich Blaze" dazzles lunch bunchers with his card tricks and mysterious box. 3 & 4- Kirsten Chasse, UConn graduate student, helps lunch bunchers with "veggie" coloring.

(below l. to r.) "Team Integrity" of Integrity Martial Arts explained and performed martial arts and for lunchers bunchers. 1- Laura displays her skills. 2- Rachel helps a lunch buncher with a kick move. 3- Laura holds the padded mitt while a lunch buncher punches. 4 - Janice Morton, certified black belt instructor, leads lunch bunchers in various moves.

(below l. to r.) 1- Rachel, Janice, and Laura pose with lunch bunchers and one of the moms. 2 & 3- A lunch buncher enjoys his sandwich and salad while another lunch buncher finishes her coloring.

(below l. to r.) 1- Amanda and Daisy, members of the Calvary Presbyterian Church Youth Group, prepare to facepaint while a parishioner helps a lunch buncher with a hula hoop. 2- Amanda puts the finishing touches on Oscar's designs. 3- Kevin smiles as he displays his painted images. 4- A lunch buncher shows her hula hoop skills.

(below l. to r.) 1 & 2 & 3 - Lyndsey Weber, Enfield Rotary Club member and past President, helps a lunch buncher assemble her craft puzzle. 4- A mom gives help to her children as they finish their colorings which will be proudly displayed at the "Lunch Bunch Art Gallery."

Volunteers from Community Renewal Team, End Hunger Connecticut!, Enfield Food Shelf, Foodshare,

United Way, the Connecticut Department of Education, the United States Department of Agriculture, and

State Reprensentatives Karen Jarmoc and Kathy Talarita read the story and led a hands-on activity with the

children after they had eaten their free lunches. Ellen Phillips, librarian in charge of Head Children/Teen

Services at the Enfield Public Library, prepared materials and oriented the volunteers prior to conducting

the activity. The story is a "mathematical folktale" about a raja's small promise to a young girl which becomes a big

(below l. to r.)1 - Ellen Phillip, Enfield librarian, shares an activity after reading the folktale. 2- Gloria McAdam, President and CEO of Foodshare, exchanges thoughts about the folk tale. 3- State Representative Karen Jarmoc questions the lunch bunchers about the story. 4-State Representative Kathy Tallarita engages a mom, dad, and son in a story activity.

(below l. to r.) 1- Krista Ostaszewski of Foodshare shares a joyful moment with a lunch bunch kid. 2- Jeff Smith and Kim Albanese, Pepperidge Farms representatives, read the story with kids and their mom. 3- Lina Smith of Pepperidge Farms reads the folktale in Spanish for a brother and sister as their mom listens.

(below l. to r.) 1- Alison Keller, United Way, talks with Lucy Nolan and Dawn Crayco, both from End Hunger Connecticut! 2- Steve Casey, Northest Utilities Advisory Board, listens as Dawn Crayco, End Hunger Connecticut!, explains the events of the day. 3- Jane Coggins, nutritionist for the Community Renewal Team, shares ideas with Bill Kweder, Enfield Food Shelf Board member and volunteer, and Bob Zwack, Connecticut Department of Education. 4- Nancy Pappas, Community Renewal team, asks questions about the program.

(below l. to r.) 1- Bananas, strawberries, orange juice, and yogurt - the ingredients for the "smoothies" - are ready for the blender. 2- Kirsten Chasse, UConn graduate student, explains the importance of nutritious drinks. 3- A lunch bunch kid reaches for the strawberries. 4-Another lunch bunch kid lifts the cup, filled with the "smoothie."

(below l. to r.) 1- Engines from the Thompsonville and Enfield Street fire stations await the lunch bunch kids. 2- Firefighter Don Ellis helps the lunch bunch kids as they climb into the rear compartment. 3- Dave Hayes, Thompsonville firefighter, explains the role of the co-pilot. 4- Scott Ellis and Ernie Bouthiette, both Thompsonville firefighters, greet a lunch bunch kid.

(below.) A lunch bunch co-pilot gives a "thumbs up;" others are seated in the rear compartment; and the lunch bunch driver gets ready "to roll."

(below l. to r.) 1- Jennifer Smith labels a jar of beads. 2- Cindy Mangini ponders her next move. 3- A lunch bunch kid tests Cheryl Leary 's memory. 4- Jennifer Smith reviews the rules for "Don't Spill the Beans" before playing.

The "Souped-up Blazer" and the WFSB CH 61 mobile unit await the lunch bunch kids. Jeff Foss, photographer/editor for FoxCT News, brought the mobile unit for kids to explore and enjoy. Craig Stanek, manager of On Point Connections, and friend Kristin Sherwood displayed the car and did face painting.

(below l.-r.) 1- Jeff invites the lunch bunch kids to see the mobile unit. 2- The transmission tower extends 60 feet above the van. 3- Reverend John Weaver, pastor of St. Patrick's parish, watches as Nick conducts an interview. 4- Lunch bunch kids sit in the mobile unit and monitor the interview.

(below l.-r.) 1- Craig and Kristin prepare the face painting area. 2- Two TV monitors are showing a DVD. 3- Isaiah watches the movie. 4- Kristin completes the final touches of an image while others await theirs.

(below l.-r.) 1 & 2- Rocky arrives and greets the lunch bunch kids. 3- "Yes! Rocky has a long tail!"

(below l.-r.) 1- Rocky gives and receives "high fives." 2 & 3- Rocky autographs Rockcat flyers.

(below l.-r.) 1- Sheila, Pat, and Amanda, parishioners of the Calvary Presbyterian Church, apply face paint images. 2 & 3 - Sheila prepares a smiley face and paints the image outline. 4- Amanda applies the finishing touches on a rainbow.

(below l.-r.) 1- Lindsey Weber and Sandy Zukowski, Enfield Rorary Club members, prepare the crafts. 2- Enfield Rotarian Cheryl Leary enjoys helping Kevin as he creates his foam craft project. 3- Enfield Rotarian Jo Ann Walk shares a humorous moment. 4- Joanne Smith, Enfield Rotarian, helps with a mosaic craft activity.

(below l.-r.) 1- Volunteer Jeannie Smith helps lunch bunch kids with the creation of foam craft projects. 2- Lou and Joanne Bolduc, Enfield Rotary Club members, assist a lunch bunch kid as he creates his bead craft project.

(below l.-r.) 1- Enfield Police Officer Croteau looks on as Samantha and Christina play with "Promise." 2- "Promise" loves to be petted. 3- "Promise" greets a lunch bunch kid as Officer Croteau keeps her in tow.

(below l.-r.) 1- Enrico High School seniors spent part of their summer creating a 3-hole miniature golf course. (front row l,-r.) Shannon Stephens, Kayla Kamerer - organizer of the project, Miranda Lempitsky and (back row) Dean Brodeur and Faye Koenigsmark set-up the course and supervised the golfing. 2 - The golf clubs and balls await. 3&4 - A lunch bunch kid tees off on the "Wild West" hole 1.

(below l.-r.) 1- Miranda places the finishing touches on hole 2, the "Beach Blast" . 2- Nick puts for par while two lunch bunch golfers eliminate the sand trap. 3- Guadalupe and her partner watch as her putt approaches the hole. 4- A "little princess" assesses her next shot.

(below l.-r.) 1- "Carrot," a.k.a Connor Duperre, and "Apple," a.k.a. Lorrie Valle, prepare to greet the lunch bunch kids, their parents, and Congressman Courtney. To the right of "Carrot" is Professor Tina Dugdale, extension instructor for UConn's "Coordinated Dietetics Program" and, to the left of " Apple" is Kristen Chasse, UConn graduate assistant for the "Community Collaboration Project" and creator of the nutrition activity. 2- The nutrition table is being being prepared. 3&4 - Kristen directs the nutrition warm-ups with the assistance of her professors and friends.

(below l.-r.) Congressman Courtney talks with a mom and her daughter while (center) Lena Rodriguez, President/CEO of the Community Renewal Team, Inc., and (right) Gloria McAdam, President/CEO of Foodshare, Inc. listen. 2- Congressman Courtney sits with lunch bunch kids and Ms. Rodriguez as they prepare to create their "banana snakes," a delicacy consisting of banana slices covered with soy chocolate sauce and topped with a raisin. 3- A grandmother sits with her grandchildren and a friend and wait for instructions about creating the "banana snakes."

At the conclusion of the lunch and activity period, Congressman Courtney poses with lunch bunch kids, Ms. Mc Adam, and Ms. Rodriguez.. The Congressman spoke with many parents and kids, and he graciously signed autographs and posed for photos. His visit thrilled everyone!

Enfield Police Officer Grosham explains the importance of bicycle and pedestrian safety to the kids. Officer Grosham gave many tips about riding bicycles and walking safely.

(below l. to r.) 1- Carolyn, a supervisor at the Forest Park Zoo, arrives with "Poncho," the macaw. 2-3 Carolyn displays "Kayla," the python and allows the kids to stroke her gently. 4- Carolyn carries "Dozier," the tortoise, and "Clyde," the turtle.

(below l. to r.) 1-2 The kids stroke "Dozier's" tail and feel his shell. 3- "Poncho" listens to a song and begins to dance. 4- "Pork Chop," the porcupine, sits quietly and munches on lettuce.

(below l. to r.) On the final day of the Lunch Bunch,117 kids enjoyed lunch and received back packs and supplies. 1-2 Lou Bolduc, an Enfield Rotarian, delivers 60 back packs and a donation of $957 to purchase school supplies. 3-4 Employees of Unum Insurance Company (Enfield) brought 32 back packs filled with school supplies and assisted with the distribution.

(below l. to r.) 1- Bill Kweder and Lorna Hosley, Food Shelf volunteers and Board members, distribute supplies. Reverend John Weaver, pastor of St. Patrick's parish, parishioner Alice Riley, and Linda Goguen, Food Shelf volunteer and Board member, assist. 2-3- Dawn Crayco of End Hunger Ct!, Krista Ostaszweski of Foodshare and Connor Duperre, a volunteer, help kids and their families. 4- Volunteer Connor Duperre assists a mom.

Hallmark "Canstruction"

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The Enfield Hallmark United Way Committee created a lighthouse, constructed with canned foods, and donated 283 pounds and $150.

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(l. to r.) Patti Mitchell, Lauren Marinaccio, Nancy Eastman, Kelly Williams, and Gary Guminiak-United Way Chair present a $150 donation to Linda Bridge. Hallmark Cards contributed an additional$95.

St. Bernard's Volunteers

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Volunteers from St. Bernard's Parish spent a Saturday morning sorting foods, stocking shelves, and cleaning. Pictured above are: (front row l. to r.) Christine Gomeau, Keegan Gomeau, Killian Gomeau, Nicholas Gomeau, and Henry Gomeau; (back row l. to r.) B. J. Gomeau, Chris Chase, Christina Valletta-group organizer, Beth Chase, and Ken Chase.

Harley Dressers Touring Association

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Linda Bridge (l.) accepts a $500 donation from Joyce and Earl Reynolds, representatives of the touring group.

Rockville Bank Sponsorship

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Rahika Deshmukh (r.), assistant manager of the Somers branch, presents Linda Bridge with a $500 sponsorship for "An Evening with Tom Chapin" benefit concert.

"A Day of Caring Compassion"

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Chief Carl Sferrazza organized the Enfield Fire Departmant's response to Governor Rell's 2nd day of caring and compassion. Pictured above, Fire Captain Don Ellis delivers 425 pounds of donated items.

A Concert to End Hunger and Thirst

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Tom Chapin (center), Jon Cobert (left), and Michael Marks (right) delighted the audience with a blend of inspirational, powerful, and enjoyable songs, many of which stressed the importance of childhood, respect for the environment, and the power of individual commitment. Several of the songs elicited enthusiastic audience participation. The group's performance of "Hunger and Thirst" eloquently expressed the the anguish experienced by individuals needing food assistance. We hope Tom and his friends will return for another concert in 2011.

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(above l. to r.) 1- Linda Bridge welcomes everyone and extends thanks to sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and those attending. 2- Ken Nelson, Town Councilman, greets everyone and emphasizes the importance of the Food Shelf and its volunteers. 3 - Roger LeBlanc, President of the Board of Directors, explains the realty of hunger in Enfield and describes the unique characteristics about our food shopping model and the summer free lunch program in progress at St. Patrick's parish hall.

Here Comes the Navy...

Kellen Voland, Chief Petty Officer for the United States Navy recruiting station in Enfield, has arranged for recruits to visit our facility and assist with the food distribution.

(below l. to r.) 1- Chief Petty Officer Voland and recruit Dave Chokas pack green bags at the check-out table. 2- Recruit Aubrey Gionfribbo smiles as she assists families with bread selections. 3- Recruit Sara Pelkey teams with volunteer Ann Ryder at the check-out table. 4- Recruit Sarah Kobe hands a green bag to a client while volunteers Flo Tompson and Ann Ryder finish the check-out process.

(below l. to r.) 1- Recruit David Altier, Tori Novo, Petty Officer 1st class at the U. S. Navy Recruiting station in Enfield, and recruit Derrick Wood prepare to distribute meats and juice. 2- Recruit Scott Mitchell smiles as he helps a client with her green bags filled with food. 3- Walter, a volunteer, explains the check-out procedure to recruit Spencer Roby.

A Food-filled 4th...

On Wednesday and Thursday (June 30 & July 1), a total of 400 families shopped for food prior to the holiday weekend. In addition to the regular groceries, families selected from a variety of holiday treats - assorted candy, bagels, pizza, hot dogs and hamburgs as well as rolls, cantaloupes or cream pies, chocolate milk, and 4th of July plates, cups, napkins, and plastic cutlery. Our families enjoyed a food-filled 4th of July thanks to so many monetary and food donations.

Raffle baskets, Scout donations, Ice Cream Social... Oh my!

Photo 1- Pam Phelan, Chair of ECE at Asnuntuck Community College presents a donation of $450 raised through the sale of raffle baskets.

Photo 2- Junior Troop 10348, led by Sandy Willoughby, present Linda Bridge with 61 pounds of food donations. Pictured from left to right are: Caitlyn, Hailey, Sydnie, Rebecca,Stephanie, Kayleigh, Carly, and Caitlin.

Photo 3- Nathan Hale School hosted its annual "Ice Cream Social" to benefit the Enfield Food Shelf. The school raised $225 and the PTO matched that amount. Presenting a $450 donation to Linda Bridge (center) are (lt. to rt.) Jen Stone and Mary Scutt, PTO members; Bridge; Jane Vasseur-Zbikowsk, PTO member; and LeAnn Beaulieu, Nathan Hale principal.

"Furry Friends Ministry" of Holy Trinity Church

Network Against Domestic Abuse Representatives Visit...

7th Annual Maine Fish Market Benefit Golf Tournament

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Nick Vamvilis (3rd rt.), co-owner of the Maine Fish Market, presents $7000 checks to the Enfield Food Shelf and Loaves and Fishes. Pictured from left to right are: Ashley Amerio, employee; Linda Bridge, Executive Director; Vamvilis; Priscilla Brayson, Director of Loaves and Fishes; and Murray Brayson, President of Loaves and Fishes.

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Kathy greeting golfers... Golfers buying raffle tickets... Nick welcoming Tony...

golfers ready volunteers on course refreshments

Golfers- Get your drivers... On-course volunteers Cold drinks anyone?

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We're ready! Let's see... +6... Ugh! Rog, Quay, Dick, Evans

"The Food Shelf Fore!"

"Stamp Out Hunger" - 17th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers' Food Drive

On a rainy Saturday in May, the Enfield letter carriers collected 22,000+ pounds of food donations and delivered these to drop-off sites or the Food Shelf. Volunteers at the drop-off sites brought the donations to our facility, and other volunteers weighed, sorted, boxed, and stored the 11 tons of donated items at our facility. The project was an incredible community effort.

VOLUNTEER BANQUET - 2010

...honoring the people who make it happen...

(photo 1) Roger welcomes the volunteers. (photo 2) Linda thanks the volunteers. (photo 3) Mayor Scott Kaupin (left) and Cindy Mangini (center) present a Town Council proclamation expressing appreciation for the efforts of the volunteers to Linda Bridge.

In the photos above, our volunteers greet each other and share their experiences as volunteers.

2010 VIP (very important person) Award Recipients

News briefing about

An Act Concerning the Children of the Recession

State Representative Karen Jarmoc hosted a news briefing about "An Act Concerning the Children of the Recession" at our facility on Monday, April 19. Speakers in the photo below (l. to r.) included Carl Asikainen, SNAP Education Manager for Northeast CT Outreach - End Hunger Connecticut!; Gloria McAdam, CEO of Foodshare, Inc.; Representative Jarmoc; Roger LeBlanc, President, Enfield Food Shelf - Board of Directors; Linda Bridge, Executive Director of the Enfield Food Shelf; and a mother, who receives our food assistance, shared a powerfully emotion testimony about her life.

Representative Karen Jarmoc (center) Carl Asikainen, EHC! Roger LeBlanc, President

(photo 1-l.to r.) Bill, Bill, Sue, and Lorie, Food Shelf volunteers; (photo 2) Gloria, Joan, Lynette- Food Shelf volunteers and Mr. Santacroce;, (photo 3 - l. to r.) Alison Keller, United Way, Inc.; Karen Weseliza, legislative assistant to Congressman Courtney; Amy Morales, Coordinator of Enfield's Family Resource Center; Kate Faherty, Parent Educator for Enfield's Family Resource Center; Cindy Mangini, Enfield Town Councilwoman; (photo 4- l. to r.) Krista Ostaszewski, Volunteer Coordinator for Foodshare, Inc.; Suzette Strickland, SNAP Policy Manager, End Hunger CT!. The group listens as the comments are made about the impact hunger on the children of Connecticut. The text of President LeBlanc's remarks is as follows:

The Forces of Hunger and Thirst

At our facility, we have witnessed an alarming increase in the need for food assistance. As of April 15, 561 families totaling 1453 people (851 adults, 602 children) are registered to receive our food assistance. Most concernedly, 364 of the 561, 65 % of the registered families, have children. An average of 338 families shop weekly, and 23 new families re-qualify or register for assistance each week. This is far ahead of the same period last year.

From our perspective at the grass roots level, hunger and thirst are relentless forces that attack our families daily. They do not discriminate; they are apolitical; and they place the most vulnerable, our children, in harm’s way. Lurking in the shadows are the allies of these forces – delayed educational development, emotional distress, stress, inadequate nutrition, and poor health. These forces and their allies terrorize our families and their children every day. We see, hear, and sense the effects of these forces on our families in their questions: “How does my daughter go to the prom if I cannot afford a dress and the costs?” “Will I have enough gas to drive the kids to their activities and still be able to buy the food we need?” “How can I work if I cannot afford day care for my daughter?” “How do my husband and I pay our son’s college education?” “It’s been 7 years! Will I ever receive the thousands of dollars due me for child support?” “How do I pay for the $200 per month increase in my rent?” “Do I buy diapers, formula, and wipes or bread and milk?” “How do I make my children understand?” “Will I ever be able to provide a normal life for my children?” How many of these questions have we asked ourselves lately or if ever? As the onslaught of the forces upon our families and children gains momentum, others – a weakened economy, continued unemployment, increasing prices and decreasing paychecks, strained municipal budgets, and cuts to education and social service programs – lend their support to assure that the devastation is complete. These powerful forces and their allies have intensified the need for food assistance and pose a formidable challenge.

Our non-profit agency has responded to this increasing need because the residents of Enfield understand the scope of this situation, and they contribute to our efforts with an incredible level of volunteerism and charitable donations. All sectors of the Enfield community understand the seriousness of the situation and the ramifications, especially as it affects our children; and they and we respond effectively and immediately. However, non-profit agencies like ours cannot bear sole responsibility for securing the safety net for needy families and their children.

The forces of hunger and thirst and their allies can inflict life-long damage upon children because they have negative impacts on learning, emotional well being, nutrition, and health. All of us must protect our children and assist their families because this is our civic responsibility and moral obligation as individuals and as a society.

In closing, I congratulate End Hunger CT, State Representative Karen Jarmoc, Speaker of the House Christopher Donovan and all others for their contributions to AN ACT CONCERNING CHILDREN IN THE RECESSION. This certainly will strengthen the safety net, deliver some of needed assistance to families and children in need, and combat the forces assaulting them. Finally, I encourage everyone to join the effort against these forces. We are the greatest country in the world. Standing together, we will not allow the forces of hunger and thirst to prevail.

Mike delivers...

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Mike Baudin unloads some of the hundreds of pounds of chips and snacks.

Savings Institute Bank & Trust

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Ed Palomba, Enfield Branch Manager, presents a $100 donation to Linda Bridge, Executive Director.

Enfield High School Civics Class Project

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Students Leah and Ryan with teacher Chris Senior deliver 175 pounds of food and and a $51 donation raised during a class project.

Blair Manor Pancake Breakfast

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Kathy Shephard (standing left) and Sylvia Bishop and Mary Drumm (seated l. to r.) present a $300 donation to Linda Bridge, Executive Director. The staff and residents conducted a Pancake Breakfast featuring the Easter Bunny to raise the donation.

Helping the U. S. Census Bureau...

The United States Census Bureau selected us to serve as an assistance center and requested our help with publicity for the 2010 Census campaign. A Census Bureau representative was available to assist our families and the general public during our shopping hours beginning March 24 and continuing through April 15. We enlisted the assistance of State legislators and representatives, the Town Council, the Board of Education and school officials, the Enfield Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Social Services, the Enfield Senior Center, Grassmere Country Club, On Point Connections, Minuteman Press, Voices for Thompsonville, the Enfield Rotary Club, the public, and our volunteers and recipient families. Everyone responded to our request for help. Together, we made a difference!!!

We displayed a banner. Alyssa assisted families. We posted signs. We gave shirts and hats to families.

We wore hats and shirts and encouraged our families and the public to complete and mail the census form.

"Here comes Peter Cottontail..." A special Easter for our families...

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Peter Cottontail (a.k.a Kara) greeted our families.

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Families had an opportunity to guess the number of fish in the jar. The winner received the special Easter basket.

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April Bunny, Melissa (center) and Debbie prepared to distribute vegetables.

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A variety of selections awaited our families.

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Easter bunnies greeted our shoppers.

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Hams or chickens, bacon, and assorted sausages were available.

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Susan Bunny distributed cakes and cupcakes.

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A variety of breads were available.

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After checking-out, Clara distributed Easter baskets, Easter eggs, and Easter treats.

Easter treats and Easter baskets for our families...

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Pat and Joe Banning deliver many boxes of Easter treat bags prepared by the parishioners of the Enfield Congregational Church for our families.

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(top row) Lauren with the help of her family prepared 75 Easter baskets for our families. (lower photos) Andy and Jeremy, Food Shelf volunteers, assist with storing of the Easter baskets.,

Some of our many dedicated volunteers...

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Al prepares meats. Susan and Debbie distribute drinks. Ed stocks shelves.

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Lou checks the cookies. Richard replenishes snacks. Dave moves food items.

Enrico Fermi High School's National Honor Society Serves...

Stop & Shop's "Food for Friends"

It's a SNAP...

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Toiletries for our families...

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(above) Dee Dreslough, Foodshare volunteer, processed information for a family member in order to receive S.N.A.P. (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. (below) Krista Ostaszewski, Volunteer Coordinator for Foodshare, assisted Dee in processing the information. Foodshare volunteers are available once each month to assist families at our facility.

Parishioners of The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer prepared assorted toiletries for distribution to our families. The church volunteers visit once each month and distribute various items such as hats, mittens, gloves, toiletries, and assorted items.

Fermi High's Future Business Leaders of America Volunteer...

Student members the Enrico Fermi High School "Business Leaders of America" and faculty advisor Brendon Walsh volunteered during family shopping hours.