Annual Election Day Food Drive Returns to Norwalk Polling Places

NORWALK, Conn. — Norwalk voters heading to the polls Tuesday will once again have the chance to support neighbors in need through the 18th Annual Norwalk Election Day Food Drive.

The tradition began in 2008, founded by local resident Diane Cece and former Common Council member Joanne Romano during what Cece described as “a historic election with massive turnout.” From 2008 to 2019, Cece and local volunteers ran the drive before turning it over to the nonprofit Person-to-Person (P2P) in 2020.

This year, due to increased community demand, P2P was unable to commit volunteers or resources to the effort. But thanks to a last-minute call for help, Norwalk volunteers have stepped in to keep the event going.

“We’ll be collecting non-perishables at all 12 polling sites,” Cece said. “Look for a plastic or cardboard bin with a ‘Donate Here’ sign near the entrance.”

Requested donations include peanut butter and jelly, pasta, canned vegetables and beans, tuna, hearty soups, rice, stuffing mixes, cranberry sauce, gravy, cereal, healthy snacks, and condiments. Donors are asked to avoid expired items or soda, and to use cans or cartons instead of glass whenever possible.

All collected food will be delivered to Person-to-Person’s South Norwalk food pantry, which serves thousands of local residents each year.

Cece thanked Norwalk voters for their continued generosity. “I hope that even with traditionally lower turnout in a municipal year and the introduction of early voting, those who go to the polls will donate what they can,” she said. “Because as Norwalkers we know, we care, we help.”