Gather grows gardens; Portsmouth seeks school supplies donations: Community news

Gather has built raised beds to grow fresh produce

PORTSMOUTH — A banner growing season is making a difference in addressing hunger on the Seacoast, according to Gather, the anti-hunger nonprofit organization that spearheaded the construction of numerous raised garden beds around the Seacoast to provide fresh produce for residents dealing with food insecurity.

Gather Executive Director Anne Hayes said a recent report from the nonprofit Feeding America indicates one in 10 Granite Staters don't have consistent access to enough food, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

“More people are turning to growing their own food and we have provided them with a way to do that by harnessing volunteer labor to build raised beds across the Seacoast," Hayes said.

Recently the NH Air National Guard volunteered to construct raised beds at the Portsmouth YMCA.

Liam Lundt, operations director for Gather, said over the past two years, Gather has seen a 44% increase in the number of people needing food; Gather now serves over 10,000 people each month.

“We’re really trying to fill that gap with more nutritious, fresh food and the fantastic weather this summer has been a huge help for growing vegetables,” Lundt said.

Gather has built or managed gardens in numerous locations including: Timberland headquarters in Stratham; Tuckaway Farm in Lee; Jackson House in Portsmouth; Rye Community Garden; Atlantic Heights Senior Housing and Gosling Meadows Community Garden in Portsmouth. There are also a handful of local citizens who have provided their land for community gardening.

According to Lundt, some gardens are built and maintained by Gather, while others are maintained by local groups. At all of these gardens, volunteers weed, water and harvest the produce and bring it back to either the Gather pantry or cooking program.

Portsmouth Welfare Department seeks donations of school supplies

PORTSMOUTH — Since 2006, the city's Welfare Department has collected back-to-school supplies for area children in need. The goal of this project is to level the playing field as much as possible for students from pre-K to post graduates, to make sure every student in the Portsmouth community has the tools they need to begin a successful school year.

This year the Welfare Department is seeking donations of new, sturdy backpacks for older kids. The Department also suggests donors might consider supplying gift cards which can be mailed (c/o Welfare Department, 1 Junkins Ave., Portsmouth NH 03801) or left in the gray drop box in front of City Hall. Gift cards in small denominations that can be used at any store where school supplies can be purchased are the best choice.

To make arrangements to donate supplies, contact the Welfare Department at 603-610-7267 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. or email welfare@cityofportsmouth.com with any questions.

Rochester Elks Lodge #1393 donates 275 pairs of socks to the NH Veterans Home

ROCHESTER — On Aug. 3, Rochester Elks Lodge #1393 Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett and Peter Ducharme, previous ruler and Lodge trustee, traveled to the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton to donate 275 pairs of Bombas socks to the residents.. These were donated to the Rochester Elks lodge 1393 through our partnership with the NH State Elks Association State Major Project, Copper Cannon Camp, a summer camp for underprivileged children, located in Bethlehem.

NH Army National Guard retiree luncheon to be held

The New Hampshire Army National Guard's 15th annual Retiree Day luncheon will be held Thursday, Sept. 19. Retirees who have not attended prior luncheons or have relocated are urged to contact Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) David Follansbee via e-mail at dave _ follansbee@comcast.net or 603-623-7757 to RSVP no later than Sept. 13.

This year’s luncheon will be at the Joint Force Headquarters building on the State Military Reservation in Concord and will feature a briefing on the current status of the NHARNG as well as exhibits and displays of interest to retirees. A group photo is also planned. The luncheon fee is $5 at the door.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Gather grows gardens; Portsmouth seeks school supplies donations: Community news