MIDDLETOWN — We know that Middletown families are struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic. Data already shows that parents are eating less to support their children’s hunger needs, and that getting fresh, healthy food is more challenging than ever.
The Mayor’s Childhood Hunger Task Force / Middlesex Coalition for Children is running a childhood hunger survey to find out what the need is right now. Participation will aim to help Middletown better understand hunger in our community, especially involving children, and will directly influence school policy and food programs.
With the information gathered by the survey, the Coalition can create programs and policies that support the needs of our unique community. We are asking all families with children in Middletown to take this survey so they can get the most accurate picture. Regardless of the age of your child, which school they attend (or do not), or your family’s income or immigration status, your input is critical to gauging where our community stands.
To take the survey, please visit bit.ly/2WoB1tZ or email Executive Director of the Middlesex Coalition for Children Izzi Greenberg at izzi@middlesexchildren.org for a direct link.
For participants that complete the survey, you will have a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards to a local grocery store. At the end of the survey, you will be asked to share a story about your food situation. If you answer this question, you will be entered into a second grocery store gift card raffle.
The survey is online and should take about 15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential, and only the researchers will have access to the information provided. You will be asked to provide your name, phone number, and/or email address so that you can be notified if you win one of the gift cards.
If you have any questions, please contact Greenberg or Jennifer Rose from Wesleyan University at jrose01@wesleyan.edu. If you would like to talk with someone else to discuss problems or concerns, or your rights as a research participant, you may contact the Wesleyan University Institutional Review Board at irb@wesleyan.edu
The Middlesex United Way and the Middlesex Coalition on Children are longtime partners, and we know how important their work is. The Coalition, founded in 1992, is an alliance of parents, educators, children’s service providers, and community activists dedicated to improving the lives of children in Middlesex County.
Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.
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