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Branford Gets Fed will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6 to 8 p.m. at Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Ave. Limited tickets, $50, are on sale now through event co-organizers Community Dining Room (CDR) Branford Food Pantry (BFP) and Feed Branford Kids (FBK). Photo by Pam Johnson/The Sound

With food, fun and fundraising, Branford Gets Fed is set to bring supporters together at a special tasting event to assist the work of three important non-profits helping Branford’s food insecure.

Branford Gets Fed will be held Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stony Creek Brewery, 5 Indian Neck Ave. Limited tickets, $50, are on sale now through event co-organizers Community Dining Room (CDR), Branford Food Pantry (BFP) and Feed Branford Kids (FBK).

CDR executive director Judy Barron said the three non-profit organizations are sharing their skills and ideas to achieve one common goal: to help end hunger in Branford. Leaders of each group continue to see a sharp rise in requests for assistance at a time when food prices are escalating.

“Food inflation has created a global crisis and is hitting the pockets of our neighbors in need hard. This community fundraiser, with all three food entities, gives us a chance to empower change and help others together,” said Barron.

CDR has recently refined its support area to provide hot, nutritious meals, and more for those in need in Branford, North Branford, East Haven, and Guilford.

BFP offers recurring provisions of grocery staples, as well as Thanksgiving and holiday meal baskets, for Branford residents in need.

“We, too, feel the effects of inflation,” said Jaye Andrews, BFP vice president. “To meet the growing needs of our clients, we purchased nearly 500 dozen eggs last month and received another 150 dozen from the [CT] Food Bank. We purchased milk, butter, and fish in an attempt to provide a variety of fresh, nutritious foods, and we have now exceeded our monthly spending budget for the first time in over a decade.”

FBK assists the town’s school-aged kids faced with food insecurity by providing them with kits containing breakfast, lunch and snacks for weekend meals. Currently, 34 percent of Branford kids qualify for free and reduced lunch in Branford’s public schools, noted FBK president Kris Klarman.

Branford Gets Fed will also provide an opportunity to “...showcase each of these three important organizations and what each entity brings to town and what people in this town are able to benefit from,” said Courtney Rosenberg, CDR fundraising coordinator.

Branford Gets Fed event sponsors are Carbonella & DeSarbo Inc., Wade's Dairy, and W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home.

To date, local restaurants, caterers and bakeries providing delicious bites for guests to sample at the Wednesday, Nov. 9 tasting event include Parthenon Diner, chef Betty Ann Donegan, Crostini, Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club, HOME Restaurant, La Cucina, Stop & Shop, Nonna Gina’s, Pearl Wine Bar, Mosaico, Petonito’s Bakery, and Missy Sweets, with more anticipated to join in.

In addition, many local organizations and businesses are contributing incredible items to the night’s raffle, said Rosenberg.