Matthew Gregg of Nashua is running the length of the state to raise money and awareness to combat New Hampshire's food shortage. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – Matthew Gregg of Nashua recently set out on a 230-mile odyssey that will take him from the Gate City to the U.S./Canadian border in an effort to attract more attention and funding to New Hampshire’s food shortage.

Gregg was cheered on by fourth and fifth grade students from Mount Pleasant Elementary School as he left from Greeley Park on the morning of Oct. 3.

“Matty Gregg is determined to change the narrative about hunger,” said Jessica Gorham, director of Social Impact and Development for New Hampshire Hunger Solutions. “His run is not just a physical challenge but a powerful platform to advocate for policy and system changes that can end hunger in New Hampshire. Hunger is a solvable issue in the Granite State, but ending hunger requires implementing the right policies.”

Gregg expects to complete his run on Oct. 10. Along the way, he will be making stops in 11 communities including Manchester, Concord, Canterbury, Laconia, Meredith, North Conway and Gorham. During those stops, Gregg will recognize organizations that have stepped up in the fight against hunger.

“Together, we can make a difference,” he said. “By improving access to vital nutrition programs and fostering community support, we can ensure that no child or family in New Hampshire goes hungry.”

Gregg began running in 2011 and has since competed in more than 50 Tough Mudders as well as the Boston and San Francisco marathons. He also ran across the country in 2018 to benefit the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

Laura Milliken, executive director of New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, said only a handful of Granite State families are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program.

“Unfortunately, New Hampshire has low participation in those programs,” she said.

Milliken said 31 percent of eligible families are enrolled in SNAP while 45 percent of children do not have enough food.

Alderwoman-at-Large Shoshanna Kelly said there is still much to be done to solve the state’s food crisis, adding that rising costs only make things worse.

“Grocery prices are extremely high,” said Kelly.

She said she was also disappointed to learn that in April, House Bill 1212 was defeated in a 191-192 vote. The bill would have increased the number of students that are eligible for free and reduced-price lunches by raising the program’s family income limits.

Betsy Houde, executive director of Community Partnerships at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, said hunger is a very real concern for the hospital, adding that doctors now ask their pediatric patients if they are suffering from hunger.

“We don’t want anybody to be hungry,” she said.