Still adjusting to the new Connecticut law that eliminated plastic grocery bags? Why not stock up on reusable bags and give back to the community at the same time?
During the month of October, United Way of Western Connecticut will receive $1 for every reusable bag you purchase for $2.50 at the Stop & Shop located at 72 Newtown Road in Danbury, CT
Your $1 will not only help the environment, it will make a difference for the hard-working, struggling families in our region we call ALICE® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE and families living in poverty make up 40% of the households in the region served by United Way of Western Connecticut. In Danbury and the neighborhoods surrounding the Stop & Shop on Newtown Road, 50% of families struggle to get by.
How Does United Way Improve Food Security?
Many ALICE individuals and families work hard at important jobs. We depend on them to care for our children and elderly parents, drive school buses, stock store shelves, and clean our offices. Others are retired after a lifetime of hard work. Their incomes are too high to qualify them for programs like SNAP (food stamps), but their household budgets are stretched to the breaking point by housing and transportation costs, child care or medical expenses.
United Way of Western Connecticut helps people who struggle by:
-
450+ Healthy Savings cards are being distributed in the community to help struggling people save money on healthy food in the grocery store
-
40 additional children in Stamford receive weekend food packs
-
60+ food pantries and other food providers work together to alleviate food insecurity through Stamford and Danbury Food Collaboratives
-
230+ families receive food through Stuff the Gazebo, in partnership with the Woman’s Club of Greater New Milford
United Way’s food programs mean that struggling families and individuals, including retirees, will not only have healthier food, they’ll have more money to pay rent, make a car payment or purchase medication.
Every time you use your reusable Stop & Shop bag, you’ll feel good knowing you not only helped the environment, you helped to put fresh, healthy food on the tables of hardworking families. So pitch in by purchasing a bag, and you’ll know that your hard-working or retired neighbors and friends are eating healthier thanks to your support.