OUR MISSION
At Lakes Region Food Pantry we strive to help meet the needs of individuals and families facing food insecurity. We offer food, food vouchers, personal care products, cooking classes, and other programs. We provide these services while respecting the dignity of each individual.
REGULAR PROGRAMMING AND SPECIAL FUNDS
WEEKLY FOOD ASSISTANCE
Our clients are eligible to pick up non-perishable foods, frozen foods and fresh foods (when available) every Thursday. Choices generally include cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, vegetables, fruits, soup, peanut butter, beans, rice and other foods. When available, we also provide diapers, soap, dish detergent, laundry detergent, and other personal care items.
VOUCHER PROGRAM
We offer monthly vouchers to our clients for the purchase of fresh fruits & vegetables, eggs and fresh meats at E. M. Heath (Center Harbor) , Hannaford (Meredith) and Market Basket (Any Location). Our voucher program is a valuable tool for our clients, empowering them to make healthier choices for their families.
COOKING CLASSES
We partner with the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, and the Center Harbor Congregational Church to provide ongoing 6-week cooking classes that facilitate lasting improvements to families’ ability to plan, purchase and prepare foods together that are healthy, delicious and low-cost. These classes are led by a certified nutritionist. We have offered classes for adults as well as classes for families with children. This has been a wonderful experience for all those who have participated. Our volunteers and staff members enjoy the interactions with our clients and this has been a great way to receive feedback from our clients about our programming and the ways to improve it.
SNEAKER PROGRAM
This program allows qualifying children in the Moultonborough and InterLakes School systems to choose a brand new pair of sneakers for the upcoming school year. Thanks to Bootleggers Footwear in Meredith, these children have fun picking the sneakers of their choice. This summer, along with sneakers, each eligible child also received a brand new NorthFace backpack with a gift card for school supplies.
SANTA FUND
This fund sponsors families for Christmas. Recipients of this fund have been recommended / referred to us through outside organizations.
SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM
Students residing in qualifying households within the Moultonborough and InterLakes School systems are eligible to receive vouchers for nutritious foods throughout the summer months. These vouchers may be redeemed at Heath’s Supermarket in Center Harbor, Hannaford Supermarket in Meredith or any Market Basket.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
This fund provides scholarships to local high school seniors and students who are already enrolled in further education classes. The criteria for application is a strong background in community volunteerism.
All programming is provided through generous donors and support to our thrift shop.
If you are interested in supporting one or more of these funds, it’s easy! We accept checks, cash donations, and PayPal donations. For more directions on making your donation, visit the Donations tab on this website.
If you have any questions or if you would like to come in for a visit, please give us a call or come in any time we are open.
Thank you for your partnership.
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About Our Nonprofit
FOUNDED
October 2012 and granted Federal tax-exempt status
Federal Tax ID# 36-4743975
BYLAWS
Board of Directors meets bi-monthly
Annual Meeting held in January
Executive Committee Officers – President / Vice President / Secretary / Treasurer
ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES
Federal Government Poverty Guidelines
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Quarterly – New Hampshire Food Bank
Annual – IRS 990
INSURANCE
Melcher & Prescott – Property / D&O / Liability / Worker’s Comp
FOOD DONATIONS
Heath’s Supermarket, Moulton Farm, 100 Acre Farm (Moultonborough), area summer camps, Ledgewood Farm, Moultonborough Public Library, Moultonborough Central School, Moultonborough Public Works, and other food drives, as well as individual food collections.
FOOD SUPPLIERS (purchased)
New Hampshire Food Bank, Manchester
Heath’s Supermarket, Dollar Tree, Market Basket, Shaw’s, Walmart, Hannaford
STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
Executive Director
Assistant Executive Director/Volunteer Coordinator
20+ volunteers
FUNDRAISING
Thrift Store – All items are donated and all proceeds directly support the Food Pantry
Donors include: Bald Peak, Altrusa Club, Moultonborough Women’s Club, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Melcher & Prescott, Interlakes Family Dental Center, Electrical Installations, Target, Shaw’s Supermarkets. All donors not listed.