The Weekend Food Program for Children puts food in the hands of Goffstown and New Boston students who have limited access to food between school lunch on Friday and school breakfast on Monday. The program was established by the Goffstown Network as a pilot program during the 2016 – 17 school year, in partnership with the Goffstown School District.
Studies show that eliminating food issues for children makes a positive difference in school success. Childhood food insecurity is a national problem. Many children who receive free breakfast and lunch at school (Monday through Friday) go home on the weekend with a fear of hunger. They may become disruptive as the school week draws to a close, and return to school on Monday feeling ill. They may have difficulty focusing or concentrating during the school day.
The program is available to students in all SAU #19 schools. Parents/guardians complete a simple application indicating the family’s current need to participate in the program. The goal is to include all children in need who apply. Currently, the program services approximately 60 students and, in addition, maintains a satellite food pantry at Goffstown High School.
On Friday mornings, a team of Network volunteers packs and delivers weekend food bags to each of the schools. A designated team of faculty in each building discreetly places the bags in the children’s backpacks. Each bag contains a variety of child-friendly, easy-open, prepared single-serving foods.
TO APPLY:
Download and fill out the application:
You may either drop it off at the pantry (7 North Mast St, Goffstown – across from Sully’s) or mail it to Goffstown Network, PO Box 603, Goffstown NH 03045. You may also fill out the application through the school nurse at any SAU #19 school.
TO VOLUNTEER:
If you are interested in volunteering for this worthy cause, please contact the program coordinator, Dianne Macon, at 497-7203 or diannemacon03045@gmail.com.
TO DONATE: This program depends on the generosity of our community, and all donations are greatly appreciated. Donations may be dropped off at the pantry at your convenience, by placing them in the Goffstown Network van that is parked at the pantry (the van is unlocked and donations are brought inside daily). You may also drop off donations during open pantry hours on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 – 11:30 am.
GOFFSTOWN NETWORK FOOD PANTRY 