People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bridgeport’s People’s United Bank, has donated $20,000 to the Connecticut Food Bank.

Last summer, the food bank’s food supply was sustained by a one-time $593,000 federal allocation to help address the growing need resulting from the recession. That allocation for additional food is no longer available, according to a statement.

Connecticut Food Bank issued a public plea for help from the community June 16 after it saw its food supply dwindle as donations dropped and the demand for food assistance remained high.

"We rarely send out a plea for help like that one," Connecticut Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Nancy L. Carrington said.  "But we were very much concerned about the 650 food-assistance programs that depend on us. They were getting less food to feed people in need. We knew we needed to do something during the summer months, when we experience the highest demand for food. As it is, under the best circumstances, we aren’t providing enough food to satisfy the growing need in our communities."

"As soon as we read that Connecticut Food Bank needed emergency assistance, we immediately responded," said People’s United Community Foundation Executive Director Hank Mandel. "We are seeing a growing number of new families seeking food assistance who are struggling economically due to the recession. When families are at risk of hunger, it makes it even more difficult to lead a healthy and productive life."