Who We Are
The Community Kitchen continues to thrive as an organization largely because of the wonderful, dedicated volunteers who give their time, perhaps the most valuable donation of all. The support of the local community helped and continues to help, guide TCK on its way—local restaurants and businesses donate food and the Monadnock United Way and cities and towns within Cheshire County give financial support along with the County itself.
After operating out of the churches for many years TCK finally had to admit that the inconvenience of moving every pot and pan around pointed in one direction—they needed a permanent home of their own. In 1994 the building on Mechanic Street
The need continues: in 2019 we served 2,652 families through our Pantry Program. Through our Hot Meals Program we served 19,860 people a nourishing and healthy meal–which averages to over 1,655 a month. We operate two programs – the Pantry Program distributes food weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Clients are verified annualy by their income and residence. The Hot Meals Program serves a free meal six days a week, an evening meal on weekdays and a lunch on Sundays.
Our Gleaning Project was started in 2013 and has enabled us to partner with other agencies and businesses within Cheshire County. In its 7 years this project has brought well over a hundred thousand pounds of farm and garden fresh produce into our programs.
We strive to guide our guests and clients to make better food choices and partner with other agencies offering cooking workshops, classes and recipes. As the world changes around us we have to adapt to current needs and demands and can do so only with the continued support of the community around us.
Our Staff
Sarah Harpster, Executive Director
sharpster@thecommunitykitchen.org
Peggy Higgins, Administrative Manager
phiggins@thecommunitykitchen.org
Kate Leversee, Director of Operations
kleversee@thecommunitykitchen.org
Jocelyn Desmarais, Director of Development & Advocacy-
jdesmarais@thecommunitykitchen.org
Alex, Pantry Manager
@thecommunitykitchen.org
Andrea Young, Volunteer Coordinator & Operations Support
ayoung@thecommunitykitchen.org
Anne Mahoney, Receptionist
amahoney@thecommunitykitchen.org
Margaret Ioannou, Receptionist
mioannou@thecommunitykitchen.org
Lisa Pollock, Evening Supervisor
Charles Tucker, Driver/Evening Dishwasher
Boris Knorr, Weekend Driver
Board of Directors 2023
We are a team of dedicated professionals from all walks of life, ready to do what ever it takes to feed our neighbors in need.
Jason Wilder
CHAIR
Gina Burke
VICE CHAIR
Lily Christensen
SECRETARY
Amanda Young
TREASURER
Cheryl Kahn
BOARD MEMBER
John Danahy
BOARD MEMBER
Peter Rooney
BOARD MEMBER
Marc Toyloy
BOARD MEMBER
.