Darien Nonprofits Band Together with Local Businesses To Feed Seniors & Families in Need

With local restaurants closed except for take-out and delivery, and financial instability looming for an increasing number in our community due to the coronavirus pandemic, several Darien businesses, nonprofits and town agencies have created a solution to address food insecurity for residents of Darien and of surrounding communities in need.  

The Community Fund of Darien, The Darien Foundation and Food Rescue US are joining forces with Corbin Cares, a new initiative launched by Baywater Properties and PG Properties, to fund, organize, and provide ready-to-eat, healthy and safely prepared meals from local restaurants to Darien seniors in need, residents referred by Darien’s Department of Human Services, and local nonprofits that feed the food-insecure of Fairfield County.

The project, which has the support of Darien’s Department of Public Health and the First Selectman’s Office, is expected to begin this week.  Donations to Corbin Cares will be managed by The Community Fund of Darien, a 501c3, to provide tax documentation for donors. Donations will be 100% tax deductible.  The funds will be disbursed to eateries including Bodega Taco Bar, Ten Twenty Post, Baldanza Bistro, Four Forks, Jake's Place and Upper Crust Bakery and Cafe.  Their meals will then be transported by Food Rescue US to local social service agencies in Darien, Norwalk and Stamford that are providing for individuals and families that are food insecure.  Donations of $5 will provide breakfast, $15 will buy a boxed lunch and $20 will supply a healthy dinner.  Tax-deductible contributions can be made through Corbin Cares at:

https://www.thecorbindistrict.com/corbin-cares/

David Genovese of Baywater Properties said “the incredible support for Corbin Cares received from our community, The Darien Foundation and The Community Fund of Darien demonstrate the astounding generosity of those around us.  My partner, Penny Glassmeyer, and I are proud to have initiated this program, which will provide thousands of meals during this crisis for healthcare workers on the front line, as well as those experiencing food insecurity in our community-at-large. 

The Darien Foundation has fast-tracked a $75,000 grant to fund Corbin Cares within Darien. The program will replace the lunches that were served at the now closed Senior Center with individually boxed lunches that will be distributed under social distance protocols. The program will also provide a robust family-style dinner each week to approximately 75 families who receive assistance from Darien’s Department of Human Services. “We have worked closely with town leadership and Corbin Cares to frame how this program could replace the lunch programs no longer available at the senior center and the public schools,” said Sarah Woodberry, the Executive Director of The Darien Foundation. “Also, our underwriting of Corbin Cares in Darien will allow the monies raised by the Corbin Cares’ intiative to stretch further throughout our neighboring communities.”

In addition to collaborating with Corbin Cares and Food Rescue US, The Community Fund of Darien will continue to provide our town’s residents in need with emergency assistance for rent, utilities, medical expenses, transportation costs and groceries through its “Touch-A-Life” fund, in cooperation with Darien’s Department of Human Services.  “During this stressful and uncertain time, the silver lining is finding a way to work together as a community to get food and aid to those in need from generous neighbors who care,” noted Janet King, the organization’s Executive Director. 

Darien residents in need should contact the Department of Human Services at 203-656-7328 or email Ali Ramsteck, Director, at aramsteck@darienct.gov    
 
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Submitted by Darien, CT

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