GOV. MALLOY, LT. GOV. WYMAN LAUNCH 28 ^th ANNUAL

CARE & SHARE HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

Program Benefits Connecticut Food Bank, Foodshare

HARTFORD, CT - Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman today announced the launch of the 28 ^th annual Care & Share Holiday Food Drive - which collects cash and non-perishable food to benefit Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank.

The drive runs from Nov. 10 through Dec. 9. State employees may donate food or contribute financial support to the Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare by going to www.ct.gov or a state agency website.

"The hard work being done by Connecticut's nonprofit community has never been more evident as they responded to an increased need from residents weathering the economy and, more recently, the October storm and Irene," Gov. Malloy said. "Care & Share is one way we can help our neighbors who are struggling right now. We are grateful for their continued efforts on behalf of our most vulnerable citizens."

Lt. Gov. Wyman noted that one out of every five children in Connecticut is hungry or at risk of hunger, and that many senior citizens are also unable to meet their basic daily food needs.

"In a state that is one of the richest in the nation it is tragic that so many of our neighbors, and especially our children, go hungry every day," Wyman said. "And with the devastation brought on by the two recent storms, this year in particular is a great time for state employees to make a real difference in the lives of those in need through Care & Share."

Connecticut Food Bank provides food resources to 650 member programs across the state, and Foodshare distributes more than 16 tons of food each day through their local partners.

"The Governor's Care & Share campaign is more important than ever this year," said Gloria J. McAdam, President and CEO of Foodshare. "The Halloween storm, paired with the down economy and turkey shortages, has created a perfect storm of more need and fewer donations for Foodshare."

Nancy L. Carrington, Connecticut Food Bank's President and CEO, said: "Through the generosity of state employees and public officials who continue to support the effort to alleviate hunger and poverty in Connecticut, Connecticut Food Bank can work to meet the increasing demand from those who are in need in this challenging economy."