BY CRAIG FITZGERALD
In the heart of our community, a silent crisis lurks in the shadows: hunger. It’s an issue that affects not just the physical well-being of our community’s youth but also their academic performance and social-emotional health. Our dedicated youth development professionals witness daily the profound impact that food insecurity has on the families we serve.
Craig Fitzgerald
The statistics are staggering. According to recent data, nearly one in seven children in Nashua faces food insecurity. This means that thousands of children go to bed hungry or are unsure when their next meal will come. The ramifications of hunger extend far beyond an empty stomach. Children who are chronically hungry often experience difficulties in school, struggle with concentration and exhibit behavioral issues. Studies show that food insecurity is linked to lower academic performance, increased absenteeism and a higher likelihood of dropping out.
Moreover, the social-emotional impact can be just as damaging. When students are worried about their next meal, they are less likely to engage with their peers or participate fully in extracurricular activities. This isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. At the Boys & Girls Club, we strive to provide a safe haven where children can not only find nourishment but also support and a sense of community.
We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort to combat hunger in Nashua, working alongside dedicated organizations such as the New Hampshire Food Bank, the Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, the Front Door Agency, End 68 Hours of Hunger, United Way of Greater Nashua, the Salvation Army of Greater Nashua and many more. Each organization plays a vital role in addressing this urgent issue, ensuring a network of resources are available to everyone in our community.
Last year, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua served over 45,000 meals and snacks to our members. With the opening of our new state-of-the-art kitchen, The Gupta Family Cafe, we’re now positioned to significantly expand our impact. Our goal is to provide 75,000+ meals annually, making nutritious food more accessible to the families we serve. This is a critical part of our mission to promote the well-being of young people, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.
But we cannot do it alone. Combating hunger requires a concerted effort from all of us — businesses, individuals and government agencies. The more we raise awareness about food insecurity, the more we can mobilize resources and support. I urge local businesses to consider partnerships with organizations like ours, whether through donations, volunteer efforts or sponsorship of community events.
Together, we can make a difference. Advocating for policies that support food security, and promoting local food initiatives that provide healthy, sustainable options for families facing food insecurity all make a real difference in the lives of those who need us most.
As we move forward, let us remember that hunger is not just a statistic; it’s a reality for many children in our community. By working together, we can ensure that every child in our community has access to nutritious food, which is essential for their growth, development and success. At the Boys & Girls Club, we believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive, and it starts with addressing the most basic of needs: food.
Let’s unite in our efforts to combat hunger in Nashua.
Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future for our youth, and by extension, our broader community, one meal at a time.
For more information about how the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua is addressing hunger, supporting youth development and empowering young people to succeed, please visit www.bgcn.com.
Craig Fitzgerald is executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua.
