DANBURY, Conn. — After a lucky CT Lottery player won $2 million on a Mega Millions ticket on Oct. 24, the Stop & Shop in Danbury that sold the winning ticket earned a $10,000 commission.
Instead of spending the money on themselves, the team at the grocery store on Lake Avenue chose to give back, according to a release on Friday.
That day, a small celebration was held to recognize Stop & Shop’s $10,000 donation to the Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut in support of its Community Food Rescue program.
Furthermore, Stop & Shop employees volunteered on-site with the Community Food Rescue Team. Together, they packed 500 bags of fresh produce that will be delivered to Danbury families for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Scott Bertomeu, who manages the Danbury Stop & Shop, said that those at the store are committed to helping ensure no family in the community goes without nutritious food.
“Community Food Rescue makes a real difference for our neighbors, and we are proud that the excitement of selling a winning lottery ticket is also helping support families in Danbury,” Bertomeu said.
Linda Hutchings, director at Community Food Rescue, said the operation feeds over 4,000 clients per month and acknowledged that the work would not be possible without volunteers.
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“We are so grateful that Stop & Shop has supported our organization for three years, coming every month to pack healthy produce bags and to feed our seniors on the mobile truck,” Hutchings said.
She shared that her favorite quote is: “Those who can do, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.”
According to Hutchings, “That is Stop & Shop.”
Community Food Rescue is active every day of the week, recovering fresh and nutritious food from local grocery and retail partners and delivering it directly to local pantries and community organizations.
The operation uses two different vehicles to make sure that food reaches distribution sites on the same day it’s rescued, which reduces waste and increases access for those who need it.
Community Food Rescue also runs a food hub offering home deliveries to individuals who are homebound or can’t visit the weekly drive-up pantry.
The organization additionally hosts 12 monthly mobile pantries at low-income senior housing sites across Danbury to further expand access for older adults. This allows seniors to conveniently select the fresh food and pantry items they need.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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