Allow Families the Choice to Have Food and Beverages at their Time of Grief
Allow Families the Choice to Have Food and Beverages at their Time of Grief
Why this petition matters
Currently Connecticut is one of only two states that does not allow grieving families the opportunity to have food or beverages at funeral homes. The other state (Pennsylvania) recently announced they were no longer going to enforce the law as it is on the books.
Connecticut’s arcane law exits because some funeral directors do not want to allow their colleagues to be able to permit this option. HB 5180 was passed unanimously buy the CT General Assembly’s Public Health Committee and will allow funeral homes the choice to offer families who they serve the option of requesting catered food and non-alcoholic beverages. Those who wish to restrict the serving are permitted to do so.
In contemporary society, people often move away and have to travel to attend visitations and funerals. After a long ride, families wish to serve them coffee, cookies, cheese and crackers or small sandwiches. They should be afforded the option of doing so.
We encourage the CT General Assembly to pass HB 5180 to allow grieving families the ability to eat and drink as they navigate through one of life’s most challenging times.