Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2024
NourishNC’s program director appointed to the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners appointed Lambeth Chalk to the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission at its April 1, 2024 meeting. Her appointment is for three years. Chalk is the Program Director at NourishNC where she connects English and Spanish speaking families who are experiencing food insecurity with resources to help eliminate hunger. Her bilingual skills help to remove language barriers allowing for equal access to NourishNC’s programs. Chalk was instrumental in launching NourishNC’s Hispanic backpack menu option which is being piloted in three New Hanover County Elementary Schools.
As a student at UNCW, Chalk earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Spanish. Her experience includes teaching Spanish to students ranging from elementary school age to, most recently, at the college level at UNCW, inspiring them to build relationships with other cultures. Prior to NourishNC, her volunteer and work experience included interpreting, teaching English, and tutoring at Latino-focused organizations such as El Cuerpo, a ministry of Christ Community Church in Wilmington.
Chalk looks forward to serving on the Hispanic/Latino Commission to help ensure all different communities in Wilmington are well represented in terms of language and culture. She added “I wanted to apply to be a part of the Hispanic/Latino Commission because I believe I have a responsibility to be a good steward of the gifts and skills I have. My involvement with the Hispanic/Latino community and my current role as the Program Director at NourishNC have made me aware of resources our county has and the challenges people in need face in accessing them. This is not only because of language, but also not knowing what help is available. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with others on the Hispanic/Latino Commission to present practical solutions to bridge the gap that exists.”
NourishNC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to “provide healthy food to hungry children, empowering them to succeed in the classroom and in their community.” Their goal is to enhance children’s health and well-being by preventing the disastrous consequences of child hunger. NourishNC distributed over 600,000 meals last year via its three programs: The Backpack Program provides food insecure children, pre-K through 5th grade, with three nutritious meals a day, every weekend, and over every school break. The Market on Market (The MoM) is a full-service grocery store where food insecure children, pre-K through 12th grade, and their families can shop to choose the food that is best for them. NourishNC offers an in-house grocery store and a mobile grocery store that goes wherever our kids need us. The Food Farmacy Program provides nonperishable and fresh food items through partner organizations such as schools, pediatrician offices, and other nonprofits.
