Sen. Berthel Leads Newly Formed ‘Feeding CT’ Caucus, Responds to Effects of 2024 Flood Disaster
January 29, 2025

Watch the press conference here.
Chief Deputy Senate Republican Leader Eric Berthel (R-Watertown) today led a bipartisan group of lawmakers and leaders from the Seymour Oxford Food Bank and Connecticut Foodshare to announce the legislature’s newly formed Feeding Connecticut (CT) Caucus.
The purpose of the caucus is to advocate for the appropriation of more dollars to address the growing concern of food insecurity in the state, where one in eight Connecticut residents struggle with hunger. Additionally, more than 112,000 people, including one in six children, are food insecure in the state.
Following the devastating August 2024 flood disaster in the Seymour-Oxford area, Senator Berthel recognized the marked uptick in need from members of the community and the local organizations that serve them, such as the Seymour Oxford Food Bank, and acted.
The lawmakers also announced a legislative proposal requesting $10 million for the CT Nutrition Assistance Program (CT-NAP), which provides fresh food to Connecticut Foodshare, food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters across the state. Additionally, 15 percent of the funds would be utilized to purchase produce and other products from Connecticut farmers.
“Last summer, the 32nd District witnessed devastating losses as homes and businesses were swept away by catastrophic floods in Oxford, Southbury, and Seymour. This disaster highlighted the critical ongoing issue of food insecurity in our community. As I volunteered alongside my colleagues at a food bank in Seymour, the sight of hundreds lined up for aid was a sharp reminder of the urgent need for support.
“Our state’s food banks, like the Seymour Oxford Food Bank, play a vital role, continually stepping up to meet the pressing needs of our residents. It is important that we secure any additional funding to support these efforts. However, the persistent demand and spike in food insecurity should prompt us to ask honest questions about the root causes—why are so many facing such hardships in Connecticut?
“The answer largely lies in the lack of affordability. Connecticut remains one of the most expensive states in the U.S., with high energy costs driving up the prices of food, goods, and services. This situation forces many to rely on aid to make ends meet. Addressing these underlying economic factors is essential, not only to reduce the immediate strain on our food banks but also to ensure that all residents can afford the necessities of life without other assistance,” said Senator Berthel.
Seymour Oxford Food Bank Director Kristina Walton and Connecticut Foodshare President & CEO Jason Jakubowski also joined the lawmakers to emphasize the need for more support.
“Every day at the food bank, we see how many of our neighbors are struggling with the most basic needs. We understand the stress that comes from not knowing where your next meal is coming from or if you’ll have enough food to send the kids to school with SNAP, or having no idea what you’ll put together for dinner.
“It’s a huge weight to carry to constantly juggle which basic need to neglect to fill another… It is no way for anyone to live in our community or state. We know that no one that walks through our doors wants to be there or chooses to be there. Everyone is doing the best they can with what they’ve been given,” Walton said.
More about the Seymour Oxford Food Bank is here.
More about Connecticut Foodshare is here.
Photo: Seymour Oxford Food Bank Director Kristina Walton (left) and State Sen. Eric Berthel (right) advocate for addressing the growing issue of food insecurity through a bipartisan measure to fund food pantries in Hartford on Jan. 28.