TEEG pg 3 10-27-11
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- Category: Past Issues
THOMPSON — TEEG Community Program Manager Carl Asikainen was honored as a “Hunger Action Hero” by the Connecticut Food Bank. This award is the highest honor that can be presented in recognition of exemplary service, ongoing dedication, and significant support of the Food Bank and its mission to alleviate hunger.
“We couldn’t be prouder to have Carl aboard the TEEG team,” says Donna Grant, executive director at TEEG, “His commitment to help end hunger is remarkable; it’s something he has dedicated his life to.”
Before coming to TEEG, Asikainen was an outreach worker at the street level for Project Home in Philadelphia. He also worked for End Hunger CT! where he assisted those in need by helping them with job placement to obtain work in prisons, schools, nursing homes, shelters, hospitals and community health centers. He also educated people about food assistance options and helped them with applications to access appropriate programs. Carl also convened state level meetings around the SNAP food stamp program and helped to initiate the Northeast Food Policy Council.
He “officially” began working at TEEG this past April but has worked with the agency as an outreach worker for End Hunger CT! for the last five years. “TEEG gave me office space to meet clients in the community who were in need of food assistance,” he said, “This time of year we are particularly busy with energy assistance applications and food drives in preparation for Thanksgiving.” As a Community Program Manager, he is responsible overseeing staff in case management, the food pantry and early childhood education.