Firefighters restock pantries with hope

Waterbury (WTNH) - The need to stock food pantry shelves is behind a big effort in Waterbury. It's a special drive that's all about providing food for those who need it.

Firefighters are always quick to help and now are opening their houses to collect food to re stock food pantries.

"Firefighters see on a first hand basis the need out there in the community because of the loss of jobs and the economic changes," said Chief Michael of the Waterbury Fire Department.

Food on pantry shelves is dwindling because demand is surging- up some 30 percent.

One reason: the state's rising unemployment rate.

In January the rate was 7.3 percent. By September, the rate jumped to 8.4 percent; compare that to a six percent unemployment rate in September of last year.

To help restock food pantries, Waterbury and a dozen other fire departments will act as drop off centers for donations of non perishable foods

"We're not a very wealthy community but whatever we have we're willing to share it," said Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura.

All the food collected on Saturday, part of A Day of Caring and Compassion, will be split between the state's two food distribution centers.