Fairfield Coronavirus: Increased Need For Food At Operation Hope

FAIRFIELD, CT — As the new coronavirus spreads across Connecticut, its economic impact also continues to grow — including in Fairfield.

With many businesses closed and children learning from home as part of an effort to slow the reach of the virus, Fairfield nonprofit Operation Hope has seen an increased demand for food.

“In times of crisis many more people are affected than we realize,” Executive Director Carla Miklos said in an email.

The increasing need is compounded by the likelihood that other places where people might turn for support, such as church suppers or day programs, may be operating at a reduced capacity or not at all as a result of the virus, according to Miklos. The new coronavirus also forced Operation Hope to postpone its spring fundraiser, she said.

There are a few ways Fairfield residents can help.

A group of community members who held an impromptu food drive last weekend on Sherman Town Green have organized another drive for Sunday — this time in the parking lot of First Church Congregational, where people can donate without leaving their vehicles.

To sign up for Fairfield breaking news alerts and more, click here.

“We want to keep the public really safe so that’s why we changed location,” said Alexis Harrison, who coordinated the drive with friends Helene Daly and Heather Dubrosky.

In addition to collecting donations for Operation Hope, the trio have also delivered food to several residents struggling amid the outbreak, including a man who is unemployed and battling cancer and a woman taking care of her elderly father and three young children, Harrison said.

“The need for people is even greater right now,” she said.

The new coronavirus has drastically changed daily life in Fairfield and across the state. Nearly 200 cases had been confirmed in Connecticut as of Friday, and more than 100 of those were in Fairfield County. State and local officials have urged people to stay home and isolate themselves to fight the virus, which as of Friday had killed four Connecticut residents.

Operation Hope is asking for food, cleaning supplies, gift cards to local grocery stores and financial contributions, according to Miklos.

“There are always ways to help,” she said in the email.

The food drive will take place 10 a.m. to noon Sunday at the church, 148 Beach Road. For more information, call 203-556-2546 or email FFLDFoodDrive@outlook.com. To contact Miklos, email cmiklos@operationhopect.org.