As we work to address the root causes of poverty and economic inequity, our region needs to think outside the box to find ways to make wholesome and free or affordable meals available without stigma or constraint. 

Fragile populations–especially the old and the very young–in Carroll County are chronically on the brink of hunger. As of 2021, children in Carroll County faced higher food insecurity than the national average. We believe that our focused work to provide nutritious, plentiful, and affordable meals to all who want or need them will help stabilize food security in our region.

According to the NH Public Health Association, using data from Feeding America Action, Carroll County has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the state, at 14.6% (second to Coos County with 17.3%). Many individuals who are eligible for support do not access it due to stigma and cumbersome paperwork. Additionally, many families in need aren’t eligible for services because of income cut offs, though they’re struggling to make ends meet, often because of disproportionately high housing costs and low wages  in Carroll County. 

Consistent anecdotal evidence from people long connected to food security efforts cite that a large percentage of the population targeted doesn’t seem to have the capacity to prepare meals from scratch ingredients. This limits foods accepted from many food banks or used to highly processed boxed or canned meals which–because of excessive sugar, sodium, and fat levels–can lead to or worsen serious health conditions: obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Food security is defined by the USDA as having access at all times to enough nutritious, plentiful, and diverse food to lead an active, healthy life. Food insecurity ranges from worrying about not having enough food, to eating less food than needed or wanted, running out of food, skipping meals, cutting the size of meals, using fewer ingredients or less healthful ingredients in meals.