CT's New 'Pizza Plate' Boosts Anti-Hunger Causes

The Pizza Plate and the Charity Conundrum

Connecticut’s newest specialty license plate, featuring a pepperoni pizza slice and the slogan “The Pizza State,” has sparked some interesting conversations about how charity and state initiatives intersect. While the plate is meant to promote both the state's love for pizza and a local food bank, there's an important detail that needs clarification: the money collected from the plate does not go to the charity it supports.

The plate costs $65 and includes the logo of Connecticut Foodshare, a nonprofit that has been serving as a statewide food bank for over 40 years. However, the funds generated from this particular plate are directed to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), just like most other specialty plates. This means that Foodshare doesn’t receive any portion of the fees paid by drivers who choose the pizza plate.

Jason Jakubowski, the president and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, explained that while the organization isn’t receiving direct financial support from the plate sales, the initiative still provides significant benefits. The plate helps raise awareness for the nonprofit and offers a convenient way for people to contribute to the cause through the Foodshare website. Visitors can click a button on the site to make a donation, which is encouraged by the organization.

Jakubowski emphasized that the focus is on raising awareness and encouraging donations rather than relying solely on the revenue from the plate itself. He also noted that the governor, Ned Lamont, was initially unaware of the specific arrangement when he participated in a promotional event for the plate.

The Complex World of Specialty License Plates

Specialty license plates in Connecticut come with their own set of rules and regulations. While many of these plates are designed to raise funds for charitable causes, not all of them share the proceeds with nonprofits. In fact, only a select few do, and the decision to allocate a portion of the fees to a charity is typically made by the state legislature.

According to the Office of Legislative Research, there have been 16 instances where lawmakers have mandated that a portion of the fees from specialty plates be directed to specific charities. These include plates commemorating historical events like the Amistad slave uprising and those promoting causes such as environmental conservation, animal welfare, and children's health. Some plates, like those supporting the U.S. Olympic team, also contribute to charitable efforts.

However, not all specialty plates result in direct financial support for nonprofits. For example, the Ferrari Club of America receives a logo on the plate but no monetary contribution. Similarly, the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks also gets visibility without any financial gain. On the other hand, the Hartford Whalers plate contributes a small amount to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

A Unique Partnership and Future Possibilities

Despite the lack of direct financial support from the pizza plate, Jakubowski expressed appreciation for the partnership with the DMV. He pointed out that the governor and the legislature have provided additional funding in the new budget to help offset losses from federal funding cuts. This support is crucial, given the rising rates of hunger in Connecticut.

According to Jakubowski, there has been an 11% increase in food insecurity over the past year, with approximately 515,000 residents in the state unsure where their next meal will come from. The pizza plate, while not directly contributing to the cause, helps bring attention to the issue and encourages people to take action.

Tony Guerrera, the commissioner of motor vehicles, has also weighed in on the matter. As a former lawmaker, he predicted that the pizza plate would be popular among residents and could potentially lead to Foodshare being added to the list of organizations that receive a share of the proceeds from specialty plate sales.

Other Municipalities Join the Trend

Connecticut is not the only place with unique specialty license plates. Three municipalities have also taken part in the program: the cities of Meriden, Norwich, and the town of Stafford. Each of these communities has its own distinct identity.

Meriden proudly calls itself the crossroads of Connecticut, while Norwich is known as the rose of New England. Stafford, on the other hand, claims to be the "nation’s first resort," referencing the mineral springs that once attracted visitors, including author Cleveland Amory, who described the area as one of the country's earliest recognized society resorts.

These plates offer more than just a way to show off a community's pride—they also serve as a platform for raising awareness and support for various causes. Whether it's a pizza plate or a historical tribute, each one adds a unique touch to the state’s license plate landscape.