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Where we've been this month
SNAP Outreach specialists generally qualify as "road warriors" and this month is no exception.
Yaira Arroyo our benevolent, bi-lingual Hartford worker covered two "Utility Day" events in the past few weeks. She informed families about the SNAP program in New Britain on April 4th and earlier assisted our Southeastern Connecticut associate on March 28th by prescreening families at the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) in New London. Carl Asikainen hasn't let grass under his feet either. He has been assisting people in Thompson on a monthly basis at TEEG and this month he spent time in jail...both York and Bergin, explaining SNAP and SNAP program changes to several groups of both inmates and service providers. Phyllis Cappuccio has been soaking up the shoreline sunshine while presenting programs on SNAP changes precipitated by the American Recovery and Re-investment Act. She has presented programs to Foster Grandparents participants, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center family survival class, the Salvation Army of Norwich and Groton Human Services. Suzette Strickland never met a mobile unit she didn't like. In addition to her tireless support of the DSS Rx Bus, she participated in two mobile Foodshare events. She also spoke at a press conference in February addressing the SNAP benefit expansion.  -Statewide Legal Services Utility Day-Hartford 4/25/09
Ask us to come or speak at your meeting or event!
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Congratulations Suzette!
Suzette Strickland, EHC!'s SNAP Policy Manager, has received two awards in recognition of her unwavering service and compassion to people and families in the greater Hartford area.
-Permanent Commission on the Status of Hartford Women
State of CT "Women Visionaries for Change" Award in Recognition of Women's History Month
-Hope 7th Day Adventist Church, Bloomfield
Humanitarian Award in Social Work
Suzette's commitment and grace is something to apire to. Thank you, Suzette, for your continued dedication to "End Hunger CT!".
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ABAWD Rule Suspension
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), signed by President Obama this past February included a package to provide over $290 million dollars in administrative funds to the states. In addition to using this money to help manage rising caseloads during the recession, money was included to suspend for 18 months the three-month time limit on SNAP assistance to unemployed able bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS).
The 1996 welfare law restricted the food stamp eligibility (now SNAP) of able-bodied recipients between the ages of 18 and 50 who do not have children. Under the law, these recipients generally were able to receive benefits for only three months while out of work in any 36-month period. Although many areas of our state have received waivers, New London County has not since it has been considered a "labor surplus "area. With the recession pushing the normally low unemployment rate up to near 8%, a significant number of unemployed adults are now unable to find work.
With job opportunities limited and education levels generally low, many adults find themselves with little or no income to meet their basic needs. The suspension of the rule will mean that these individuals will now have access to SNAP benefits until at least the end of 2010. |
Connecticut School Breakfast Expansion Team (CBET) In an effort to raise Connecticut out of last place status for school breakfast participation, a task force has been formed to address and overcome state-wide barriers to participation in the federal School Breakfast Program. For four years now, The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) has cited Connecticut as last in the nation for the number of schools participating in the School Breakfast Program and 47th in the nation for the number of students participating. CBET is focusing its efforts in marketing, outreach, technical assistance, and resource development and acquisition. The team includes representatives from End Hunger CT!, New England Dairy and Food Council, the School Nutrition Assosiation of Connecticut, and the State Department of Education: Bureau of Health, Nutrition, Family Services and Adult Education. Stay tuned for more information about CBET and how it can help you! To get started on increasing school breakfast participation in your school, please contact Dawn Crayco at dcrayco@endhungerct.org or Amanda Aldred at aaldred@newenglanddairy.com. |
If it's spring it must be time for fresh produce!
Spring time has many meanings for so many of us - renewal, growth, locally grown foods. Locally grown foods? You bet! It's time for Farmer's Markets - there's nothing like going to your local farmer's market, be it near your home or your work to taste a bit of Connecticut. Find out where the closest one to you is, what's on sale, and more at
buyctgrown.com
Looking for some recipes for that great produce? You can find them in the June issue of "Eating Well".
Eating in Season: A recipe for life If you're running a Farmer's Market, the University of Nebraska - Lincoln has some wonderful (free!) resources for use on blogs, social networking sites, and newsletters to publicize your Farmer's Market. They can be accessed here.
Now, go out and get yourself some good locally grown food and help support our Connecticut farmers. Also, many Farmer's Markets now take SNAP EBT cards and WIC coupons - that's another reason we like them so much!
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Congratulations and thank you to Share our Strength and the Taste of the Nation New Haven planning committee! Many people enjoyed great food, drinks, and company last Thursday. We appreciate all of your work and dedication to ending childhood hunger in CT.
If you missed out on the festivities...
Taste of the Nation Hartford
May 7, 2009
Marquee Events & Catering at 960 Main
960 Main St.
Hartford CT 06103
Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation invites you to savor the finest food, spirits and wines. Join Chef Billy Grant of Restaurant Bricco and Grant's Restaurant, voted 'Best Restaurants' by Hartford Magazine, and over 35 of Connecticut's hottest chefs for an evening of culinary excellence.
Enjoy perfectly mixed cocktails and exquisite wine and beer. Participate in our exceptional live and silent auctions, featuring Red Sox and Yankees tickets, catered wine dinners for ten by top chefs, and a once in a lifetime African Photo-Safari travel package.
YouTube Video:
TICKETS AND EVENT DETAILS
Event Time 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
VIP Admission $120
General Admission $75
Click here to buy your tickets |
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Upcoming Events:
Share our Strength's Taste of the Nation Hartford
Thursday, May 7th 6:00-9:00
960 Main Street Hartford
Two nights of fun and food with CT's top restaurants. Funds support local organizations working to end childhood hunger.
Foodshare's Walk Against Hunger
Sunday, May 3rd 2:00
Now in its 26th year, the Walk is the single largest anti-hunger fundraiser in the state of Connecticut. Last year, 3,000 walkers were able to raise over $450,000... and this year the goal is even more impressive: $475,000! Please consider becoming a part of this fun and important event. Click here for more information or call Foodshare at (860) 286-9999.
Connecticut Food Bank's Walk Against Hunger Sunday, May 3, 2009-East Rock Park-New Haven, CT
The goal is to raise $160,000!
Click here for more information or call CT Food Bank at (203) 469-5000. | |
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Find my legislator
Lucy Nolan
End Hunger Connecticut! |
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