LOCAL 1186 CONTRIBUTES TO FOOD SECURITY COLLABORATIVE

Amid the deepening economic crisis that has gripped Connecticut, members of Council 4 Local 1186, representing nearly 500 New Britain city and board of education employees, remain committed to supporting community betterment projects in New Britain.

Local 1186 members donated $300 to the New Britain Food Security Collaborative, a collaborative effort of local and state agencies dedicated to address food insecurities and social health needs in New Britain. The donation will be used to support the New Britain Food and Resource Center, which opened its Osgood Avenue facility Jan. 5.

“We are so proud to welcome and support The New Britain Food & Resource Center,” said Local 1186 President Jim Amato, a park foreperson with the parks and recreation department. “With New Britain residents struggling in tough economic times, we want to do our part to help the community we serve.” Foodshare estimates that nearly 21,000 New Britain residents, or approximately one in three people in the city, are at risk of hunger. Also, a University of Connecticut study in 2005 ranked New Britain 168 out of 169 towns in Connecticut on an index of food security. The NBFRC enables individuals to choose nutritious food they like at the center. According to a United Way press release on the new pantry, the NBFRC also will provide individuals with access to services leading to financial security and eliminate the need for crisis services, such as free income tax preparation, literacy services and job skill training and referrals.

“Our collaborative is an example of people with a common vision coming together to change community conditions,” said Barbara Kirejczyk, chair of the New Britain Food Security Collaborative. “We applaud Local 1186 union members for their support and their concern.” Most recently, Local 1186 made significant donations to the New Britain Elks’ Scholarship Fund and to the campaign to build a new playscape at Chamberlain Elementary.