For about 7 years now I’ve been partnering with Gather . Gather is an anti-hunger organization that provides food and meals at their Portsmouth pantry market and through mobile markets that serve much of New Hampshire and parts of Southern Maine.

Gather is run by a small dedicated staff and Volunteers whose work is equivalent to 14 full time employees.

How I Became Involved with Gather

As part of my Dietetic training I worked with the NH Food Bank in Manchester and I became aware of Gather in my own community. As I settled into my private practice I reached out to Gather to see how I could help.

One of the ways I supported Gather was to bring my son’s lacrosse team to shift and organize boxes of food during inventory. Lots of athletic boys got that job done quickly!

I also sorted food donations and produce that had been gleaned from local grocery stores. Sometimes a shopper would hold up something and say “I don’t know what to do with this”.

Weekly Recipes

So I started to look for easy recipes that feature in-season produce and pantry staples such as pasta, rice or canned veggies. Each week I share 2 or 3 recipes that I’ve modified, offering reasonable substitutions or additions to the original. Gather shares these at Mobile Markets and the Community Pantry.

Meals 4 Kids (M4K)

Meals 4 Kids provides meals to kids during school vacations and the long summer break. This is extra food food for families with school-aged children who may be missing out on school breakfast and lunch. Meals 4 Kids is distributed at the Mobile Markets. This summer Meals 4 Kids will include a recipe for a weekly snack and/or meal.

Click here to learn where you can find a Mobile Market in your area.

Partnering with Gather is an important part of being active in my community and it brings me joy. If you’re in a position to help either through donations or volunteering your time, Gather welcomes you!

Snack Idea:

Deli turkey & avocado roll ups

Reach out at Karen@CoastalFamilyNutrition.com or call the office at 603-674-2479.

Please feel free to share this with someone who may like to learn more about feeding kiddos!