DERBY — The following is a press release from House Republicans: House Republican Leader Themis Klarides and her sister state Rep. Nicole Klarides- Ditria announced that a Farmers to Family Food Box program will take place at Derby High School on Monday, July 20 that will provide families with fresh produce at a time when many are struggling to put food on the table.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture F2F food program is being coordinated by the Friendly Hands Food Bank of Torrington Director Karen Thomas and Ralph DelBuono, owner of Roma’s Restaurant in Oakville. Derby High is located at 75 Chatfield St.
The drive-up event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, or until the supplies run out.
The state representatives said the program comes at a particularly important time during the health crisis as this spring and summer up to 600,000 state residents found themselves unemployed, and thousands of businesses were forced to close. “It is so encouraging to see government sponsored initiatives, supported by non-profits, volunteers and the private sector, benefit so many families who really need help at this time,’’ the lawmakers said.
Anyone in the state can take part but the lawmakers said their focus was on helping the Greater Naugatuck Valley.
Participants will drive up to the high school, form a line and volunteers will place the boxes of fresh produce in their vehicles. About 1,400 boxes will be distributed.
Both lawmakers credited fellow state Representatives Rosa Rebimbas, Jason Perillo, Ben McGorty, David Labriola, as well as state Senators George Logan, Eric Berthel and Kevin Kelly. Local officials, Mayor Richard Dzieken of Derby, First Selectman Kurt Miller of Seymour, First Selectman Gerry Smith of Beacon Falls are also involved in the project.
