CT PAID LEAVE PROVIDES NEEDED SAFETY NET FOR CT RESIDENTS LIVING WITH FOOD INSECURITY

Hartford CT — Connecticut’s Paid Leave program today reminded Connecticut residents that income replacement is available for workers with a serious health condition, and their caregivers, to help offset the cost of living when they need to take time away from work to recover or provide care, as we head into the holiday season. According to the recent ALICE report sponsored by Connecticut’s United Ways, 39% of Connecticut households live below the ALICE (Asset-Limited Income Constrained Employed) threshold, defined as the minimum average income that a household needs to afford basic costs, calculated for each U.S. county. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of households in poverty in Connecticut increased by 1,145 (to 11% of all households) and the number of ALICE households increased by 9,657 (to 29% of all households), continuing a decade-long trend in the growth of this population.

“The cost of those basic necessities has been increasing, making it harder than usual for those workers who live below or at the poverty and ALICE levels to make ends meet,” said Erin Choquette, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority. “CT’s Paid Leave Program helps address food insecurity by making it possible to take time off from work to heal without losing that vital income. In this season of giving thanks, we are reminded that many of our most vulnerable citizens are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. Paid leave is a valuable safety net for them.”

According to estimates from Feeding America, more than 465,000 (1 in 8) Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 112,000 (1 in 6) children are food insecure. Last year, Connecticut Foodshare distributed enough food to provide over 40 million meals to people in need in Connecticut.

“Even in a state as wealthy as Connecticut, there is need for food assistance in every community,” said Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare. “Sometimes the difference between a family that uses a food program and one that doesn’t is the sudden loss of a job, an illness or unexpected rise in health care or utilities expenses. Connecticut’s Paid Leave program makes it possible for folks to take time off in the case of serious illness, or to take care of a loved one, while still bringing in income to put food on the table.”

For more information about Foodshare, visit https://www.ctfoodshare.org/.

For more information about CT Paid Leave and how to apply, please visit www.ctpaidleave.org.