Hunger Heroes: Hawk Helpers in Wethersfield
The latest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap study is alarming: food insecurity is increasing in Connecticut. More than 560,000 residents now struggle to keep food on the table for their families, up from 516,000 the previous year.
This is an increase of nearly 12% among children and that means 1 in 5 Connecticut children do not have consistent access to nutritious food they need to grow and thrive. These numbers will not decline unless everyone gets involved. Food security requires communities actively coming together to strengthen the systems, partnerships, and resources that help neighbors thrive. That's why Connecticut Foodshare’s strategic plan includes Mobilize Support as one of its four pillars.
An inspiring example of the community mobilizing to end hunger can be found in Wethersfield, at Charles Wright Elementary School. In 2024, Gena Golas, a parent and PTO member, reached out to Connecticut Foodshare because she saw a need for food assistance in her community. She had already begun collaborating with school social worker Maureen Duffy and a dedicated group of volunteers to launch Hawk Helpers, a backpack program serving local families.
According to lead volunteer and board member, Gail, Principal Dr. David Huber supporting Maureen’s work to onboard families into the backpack program is critical, “Our principal gives her the time and the bandwidth…he's hugely supportive.”
After a Connecticut Foodshare grant funded additional cold storage, the program grew to support more than triple the original number of families.
A parent in the program shared her family’s gratitude, “Mrs. Duffy and her team have given our family so much more than I could ever repay in these past 2+ years…less stress and anxiety in how to be able to afford enough food for these children with growing appetites! The boys, 7 & 10, look forward to the delivery every week.”
As Connecticut Foodshare continues advancing its strategic plan, programs like Hawk Helpers demonstrate that lasting food security is built not only through food, but through relationships, trust, and neighbors mobilizing to support their communities.
