Access: Sarah Harpster New Executive Director of The Community Kitchen

Sarah Harpster's commitment to food equity -- a concept that all people should have the power and opportunity to grow or access food -- permeates most aspects of her life. Once considering a future in the ministry, Sarah opted to become The Community Kitchen's (TCK) first gleaning coordinator, aggregating unused vegetables from local farms for distribution to TCK's guests. Identifying the need to shift policy supportive of households experiencing food insecurity, she became the Hunger Solution Advocacy Coordinator for TCK, and last year, worked hand-in-hand with MFCC's Food Access Alliance (Alliance) to implement the Monadnock Food Access Analysis, a comprehensive gap & asset analysis of hunger in our region.

One of ten issues identified in the Analysis was the need for a mobile food pantry to reach communities struggling with transportation and access to food outlets. Last week, TCK with Alliance support, hosted its first pop-up event in Winchester. Five more events will be scheduled in similar communities throughout the region.

Sarah's years of experience in food access, coupled with masters level work in food systems, and her policy advocacy on the statewide level with organizations like NH Hunger Solutions and the NH Food Alliance have more than prepared Sarah for the challenges of her new position. Under her kind and steady leadership, TCK has a bright future filled with new opportunities for connection and growth.

Do you or someone you know struggle to get enough food? Help is available. Please check out these resources:

SNAP/EBT Double your Purchasing Power or get 50% off Fruits and Veggies
    •    If you receive SNAP benefits, you can DOUBLE your fruit and vegetable purchases at farm stands, farmers' markets, and grocery stores! Find out where.
    •    Want to know if you're eligible for SNAP? SENIORS - did you know you might be eligible for SNAP/EBT too? Find out now. 
    •    Need help feeding yourself or your family? Find out where to go to get charitable food.
    •    Get 50% off fruit and veggie purchases thanks to the Double Up Food Bucks program at the Monadnock Food Coop (for SNAP/EBT participants)