Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for millions of households in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 13.5% of American households—approximately 18 million—experienced food insecurity in 2023, reflecting an increase from 12.8% in 2022. The issue is particularly pronounced among children, with USDA data indicating that nearly 14 million children lived in food-insecure households last year. Food insecurity, as defined by the USDA, refers to the inability to consistently access sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, posing serious implications for the health and well-being of affected families.
To address this growing concern, BAPS Charities held its annual food drive from November 1 to December 22 in Hartford, CT, benefiting Newington Food Pantry. Volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds collected approximately over 1700 canned and dried food items. Mr. Jon Trister, Mayor of Newington, expressed his gratitude towards BAPS Charities and their efforts to support the local community. This initiative was part of a larger effort by BAPS Charities, which conducted food drives across North America to assist local families and individuals during the holiday season.
