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Somersworth board approves MOU with New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, accepts $6,000 for high-school pantry
Summary
The Somersworth School Board adopted an MOU with New Hampshire Hunger Solutions and 68 Hours of Hunger to establish a high-school food pantry and accepted a $6,000 initial grant to support pantry startup and weekend food bags.
The Somersworth School Board voted May 13 to adopt a memorandum of understanding with New Hampshire Hunger Solutions and 68 Hours of Hunger to establish a food pantry and storage space at Somersworth High School and to accept $6,000 in startup funding.
Superintendent (unnamed) described the program as a partnership with New Hampshire Hunger Solutions and 68 Hours of Hunger to pack the more than 60 weekend food bags the district distributes and to reduce stigma by adding discrete pantry storage and distribution points (described as Hilltopper huts or similar) at the middle and high schools. Katie (identified in the packet as the district point person) and Marcy (Fresh Picks) confirmed the pantry will be located behind the high-school snack shack in an area with key entry rather than badge-only access, allowing access during regular hours until about 10 p.m. when alarms set in the building limit access.
The superintendent said the pantry will not replace school meal programs (breakfast or lunch) but aims to address food insecurity, increase attendance and boost academic engagement. He told the board the MOU required board approval because the initial funding exceeds the district’s $2,500 acceptance threshold.
A motion to suspend the rules, adopt the MOU and accept $6,000 from New Hampshire Hunger Solutions was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Implementation details discussed included reworking storage space currently used for Fresh Picks, limiting access hours to when staff are present, and coordination with community partners to promote SNAP enrollment and long-term supports. The board approved the MOU and the funds; staff will proceed with space modifications and partner coordination.
