COVID-19 Hot Meal Program Expands To Another Danbury School

DANBURY, CT — The New American Dream Foundation has announced the expansion of its COVID-19 Hot Meal Program to South Street Elementary School families in need.

The foundation will be postponing its annual scholarship gala and will place all of its efforts on supporting their immediate needs as the community fights the virus, according to a news release.

"With the overwhelming support we have received from the community after the first meal distribution, we were able to expand the program to two additional schools.

"Our organization's overall goal then became to provide hot meals to families in need at Morris St. School, Park Ave. School, and The Early Learning Center at Cottage St. through Saturdays in May. Linde's recent donation, along with the contribution from the Roby Dodd Family Foundation made our goal possible," said Celia Bacelar-Palmares.

With the support of members of the community, and a contribution from the Danbury Teachers Union of $1,000, and Jericho Partnership, Inc. of $1,000, TNADF was able to expand its program to South Street Elementary School and provide 200 meals each Saturday in May. Meals to be provided on a first-come-first-served basis to families in need on May 9, May 16, May 23, and May 30, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am - a total of 800 meals.

"This amazing organization serves our immigrant community through support with scholarships, health services, and screenings, and civic engagement in regular times - during COVID-19, they have been providing hot meals to our families at several school locations," said Erin Daly, a third-grade teacher and president of the teachers' union NEA-Danbury.

"Jericho is pleased to partner with the New American Dream Foundation to feed those in need at South St. Elementary School (and beyond) during this pandemic. Our volunteer reading buddies are thankful to help with distribution. This is the power of WE at work in our community," said Carrie Amos, the president of Danbury-based Jericho Partnership.