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Community Spotlight: End 68 Hours of Hunger

Four women smiling and laughing together in a grocery store aisle, standing behind a variety of cereal boxes. The shelves behind them are lined with colorful cereal boxes and labels.
Community Spotlight: End 68 Hours of Hunger
Combatting Weekend Food Insecurity for New Hampshire's Children

Infographic with a fork and children icon, accompanied by text that reads: 68 Hours = 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners, 2 Snacks. Below is the End 68 Hours of Hunger logoIn the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, there’s a hidden problem facing many children: the weekend hunger gap. The 68 hours between Friday’s school lunch and Monday’s breakfast can be a time of uncertainty for families struggling with food insecurity. But End 68 Hours of Hunger, a dynamic volunteer-driven initiative, is working to change that.

A Critical Mission in Our Community

According to a 2023 report by Feeding America, a staggering 13.4% of children in New Hampshire experience food insecurity, a significant increase from 8.5% just a year prior. This means that more than 1 in 8 children in our state aren’t sure where their next meal will come from. This lack of consistent, nutritious food can have a lasting impact on a child’s health, development, and ability to learn.

Founded in New Hampshire in 2011, End 68 Hours of Hunger has become a lifeline for families facing weekend hunger. The program provides children with nutritionally balanced food bags containing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, ensuring they return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn. The local ConVal SAU chapter, approaching its 9th anniversary this January, is a testament to the program’s enduring impact and the community’s commitment.

Making a Real Difference in ConVal Schools

Here in the ConVal School District (encompassing Antrim, Bennington, Dublin, Francestown, Greenfield, Hancock, Peterborough, Sharon, and Temple), the local chapter serves between 165 and 200 children every week. During the peak of the pandemic, this number surged to 350 bags per week. Since its inception, the ConVal chapter has distributed an impressive 52,000 bags of food, demonstrating the program’s sustained impact on the community.

Infographic showing a stylized fork with two children holding hands inside a circle with a heart symbol. Text reads: 165-200 kids each week. Bags valued approx $15-18/bag. Equals $16,500 worth of food distributed per month“During the pandemic, we were so isolated,” shared one grateful parent. “Receiving that bag of food every week made us feel like we were more connected, that someone in our community still cared that my kids were fed.”

Each food bag, valued at $15-18, represents more than just food. It’s an investment in a child’s future. With monthly distributions valuing approximately $16,500, the program is making a significant dent in local food insecurity.

The Power of Community: How You Can Help

The success of End 68 Hours of Hunger lies in its local, community-driven approach. Volunteers manage every aspect, from procurement to distribution, ensuring that 95% of all donations directly purchase food. This maximizes the impact of every dollar contributed.

Educators have observed a marked difference in students who receive weekend meals, noting improved focus and learning readiness. The program’s positive impact extends far beyond filling bellies.

Challenges and Opportunities for Growth

Despite its success, the need for weekend food assistance remains. With 300-350 children in the ConVal district qualifying for free and reduced lunch (a key indicator of food insecurity), the program aims to expand its reach and ensure no child goes hungry.

Join Us in Ending Weekend Hunger

end 68 hours of hungerEnd 68 Hours of Hunger thrives on community support. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Donate non-perishable food items
  • Make a financial contribution
  • Spread awareness through social media and word-of-mouth
  • Organize food drives in your workplace, school, or community group

To learn more and get involved, visit the End 68 Hours of Hunger website or contact the ConVal chapter directly.

Together, we can create a future where no child in the Monadnock region has to worry about where their next meal will come from.

Let’s end the weekend hunger gap – one bag of food, one child, one community at a time.

Learn More:

End 68 Hours of Hunger ConVal

End 68 Hours of Hunger ConVal Facebook

NH Food Bank Taking Action to Combat 43.9% Increase in Food Insecurity Statewide

Hunger in America – New Hampshire from Feeding America

NH Hunger Solutions

Map the Meal Gap Report from Feeding America