Food Rescue Event Planned To Address Food Insecurity In Milford

MILFORD, CT — Milford residents will have an opportunity later this month to learn about food recovery efforts and how rescued food can help address food insecurity in the community.

All in for Milford is hosting a public meeting June 23 at 6 p.m. at the Woodruff Family YMCA, where representatives from several local and regional organizations will discuss programs that redirect surplus food to people, animals, or composting instead of sending it to landfills.

Organizers said the event comes as many residents face financial challenges. According to information provided by the group, nearly 6,000 Milford residents experienced food insecurity last year, and about 450 residents are expected to be affected by reductions in SNAP benefits.

“This is a problem that we can’t just wish or donate our way out of,” said Sarah Bromley, an All in for Milford volunteer. “People should know that food recovery is about quickly re-routing great food so it can be used by people, animals, or composted.”

Representatives from Purple Pantry, Haven’s Harvest, Real Food CT, The Storehouse Project and Food Rescue US are expected to participate, along with officials from the Milford Senior Center and Public Works Department.

Organizers said part of the discussion will focus on explaining how food recovery programs operate and addressing misconceptions about recovered food.

“It's hard to wrap your head around, but the good news is that we have practical, locally-focused ways to send that food to people instead of landfills,” said organizer Kaylyn Crawford.