Fairfielder and state representative candidate DeeDee Brandt helped raise awareness of Connecticut's hunger problems and money for the cause at an event at Frank Pepe Pizzeria on Saturday. Brandt has been a longtime volunteer with the Connecticut Food Bank.
Brandt, a Republican, is running for the 133rd District seat currently held by Kim Fawcett. It represents Fairfield and parts of Westport. Brandt was formerly an RTM and Board of Finance member in Fairfield.
The event was part of the 85th birthday celebration for Pepe's, and Brandt and others, including her husband David, sold T-shirts and hats featuring the Pepe's logo to raise money.
"While summer means fun and vacation for most, for some Connecticut families it will be a struggle to come up with the extra meals to feed their children, who won't have access to school meals," said Brandt. "We can help thousands of children in Connecticut who will face three long months of going hungry by contributing food and monetary donations to the Connecticut Food Bank. For every $10 you give, we can provide enough food to make lunch for 34 children."
The Connecticut Food Bank, a private, non-profit organization, was founded in 1982 and has a warehouse in Fairfield on Linwood Ave. It collects donated food and also buys food from companies that have an excess. The food is distributed to 650 food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens across the state.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.