Person-to-Person Needs Your Help to “Stamp Out Hunger”

Since 1992, Person-to-Person (P2P) has been the designated recipient of grocery donations collected in Darien during the annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive. “Stamp Out Hunger” is the largest food drive for Person-to-Person each year.

With 9% percent of Fairfield County households living below the poverty level and another 23% struggling to afford the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter, hunger and food insecurity is an issue for many of our neighbors. The number of people living in poverty plus those who earn less than the basic cost-of-living is significant in the communities served by the P2P Food Pantry in Darien – 14% of New Canaan households, 16% of Darien households and 35% of Stamford households [Source: United Way ALICE Project].

During the summer months, Food Pantry demand increases because many families are providing three meals a day to children who qualify for free and reduced-price meals during the school year.

In preparation for the food drive, various volunteer groups have been stapling the suggested shopping list of non-perishable foods to the 6,000 grocery bags donated by Palmer’s Market. The bags will be delivered to Darien postal customers this week. On Saturday, May 12, volunteers will gather at P2P Darien to sort the donations and stock the pantry. People of all ages join in and children are welcome.

Darien residents are encouraged to leave a bag of groceries at their mailbox on Saturday morning, May 12. If you want to volunteer on that day to help sort donations, email Teresa Smelser.

About Person-to-Person: Person-to-Person, Inc. was established in 1968 to provide low-income individuals and families living in Lower Fairfield County with basic emergency services. A community-supported agency, Person-to-Person is committed to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency through practical help, advocacy, education and problem-solving initiatives. Programs include Emergency Assistance, Campership and Scholarship. With offices in Darien and Norwalk, the Person-to-Person service area includes Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. More information may be found at the P2P website.