MANCHESTER, NH – Ward 1 Board of School Committee Member Julie Turner and Manchester Planning Board Chair Bryce Kaw-uh on Friday delivered a truckload of food and hygiene products to the Webster Elementary School food pantry.
Today’s delivery was the culmination of a “collect-athon” that Turner and Kaw-uh jointly organized with the goal of filling the food pantry ahead of the new school year. The food pantry first opened at Webster Elementary School in 2024 with the help of the local Hannaford Supermarket.
“First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who helped make this food drive a tremendous success,” said Kaw-uh. “Their generosity is a classic example of neighbors helping neighbors. Food drives and other mutual aid opportunities like this are a great testament to the strength of our community and how we look out for one another.”
“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Webster Elementary and its families,” said Turner. “As a Title 1 school, Webster receives financial assistance due to the high percentage of families that qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. The Webster Food Pantry is another part of the puzzle to help close educational achievement gaps by assisting those with food insecurities and ensuring that all students are ready to learn.”
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to partner with Bryce on this important project and hope to make this an annual event to make certain the pantry is fully stocked to begin each school year,” Turner continued. “This is just another example of the strength of our community and its commitment to our public schools.”
Manchester families who are experiencing food insecurity can get connected to food resources by contacting their school’s social worker. Families can also apply for free or reduced meal prices by visiting www.myschoolapps.com and completing the online form.
