New Hampton GOT LUNCH is a display of neighbors helping neighbors

NEW HAMPTON — New Hampton GOT LUNCH is half way through its first year of existence. Last year, a pilot program was conducted for a selected group of families and have doubled in numbers. New Hampton GOT LUNCH runs for 10 weeks and the program currently serves 17 families and provides meals for 48 children in need.

The New Hampton GOT LUNCH program helps address food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to children throughout the summer months when school is not in session. By ensuring that children have access to healthy food during the break, the program helps bridge the gap left by school meal programs. It also eases the financial burden on larger families by reducing grocery expenses, allowing household budgets to stretch further while ensuring children have reliable access to meals.

In New Hampton, 13.1% of the population is below the poverty level compared to 8.8% for Belknap County and 7.2% for the state and it jumps to 18.2% when looking at ages 0-17 according to the NH Department of Health and Human Services Data Portal.

The success of the program can be attributed to the strong partnership between New Hampton Community Church, New Hampton Community School, the New Hampton First Responder Association, New Hampton School, and the Interlakes GOT LUNCH program, as well as the incredible generosity of local donors and the time provided by dedicated volunteers.

“It saddens me to know there are families who do not have enough healthy food to eat. When I became aware of the GOT LUNCH Program, I saw an opportunity to help make a difference in our community,” said former NHCS administrative assistant and current volunteer Katie Knott-Garon.

For many families, the GOT LUNCH program provides not just food, but peace of mind.

“For me volunteering is just about giving back to the community and helping others. I know what it’s like to struggle. When I was younger and raising my kids, there were summers when I didn’t know where the basic groceries were going to come from," said volunteer Carolina Slobodnik. "We’re not fixing every problem or needs these families might be facing, but if we can make things a little easier, even if it’s not much, that’s something. Knowing a family has one less thing to worry about, even for a little while makes it worth it.”

For those interested in supporting this program, checks can be mailed to the New Hampton Community Church with GOT LUNCH in the memo line. For the 10 week program, it costs $275 per child. If there are any questions regarding the program, email gotlunchnewhampton@gmail.com.