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A Walk to Feed Neighbors

Since we live in a prosperous community, it's hard to imagine that many of our neighbors struggle to afford the most basic staple, food. But the statistics bear it out. One in seven Connecticut households is struggling to put food on the table.

For 25-plus years, the Community Dining Room (CDR) has been feeding the hungry and providing support to neighbors through basic services such as daily hot meals, home delivery, family dinners, takeout dinners, and referrals to social services.

Most families who come to the CDR live at or below the poverty level. Others who seek assistance live on fixed Social Security incomes. Simply put, after paying for the most essential needs-housing, heat, and electricity-there's not enough money left for food. In fact, last year, the CDR provided a staggering 55,000 meals.

I encourage your readers to support the CDR by registering for its 11th annual Walkathon on Saturday, April 26. It's a family-friendly event with music, magic, and snacks. Participants will travel a three-mile route to and from the Branford Town Green.

We're honored that Eunice Lasala, a beloved and longtime supporter of the CDR, will be the Walkathon grand marshal, and Chris Velardi from WTNH 8 will lead the walk.

Today, we urge your readers to go to www.communitydiningroom.org to register by Monday, April 21 to enjoy early registration fees. Walkers can ask their family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to join together on a team. The money raised through the Walkathon will enable the CDR to continue its many important programs.

We invite readers to visit the CDR to see what we do and learn firsthand how their donation supports our programs and services-but first register for the annual Walkathon today!

Cheryl Kaiden, Vice ChairCDR Board of Directors