Stratford's Struggle: A Community Grappling with Job Losses and Food Insecurity

In the small town of Stratford, New Hampshire, a troubling trend has emerged – an exodus of employers has left residents in a precarious position, with many struggling to put food on the table. The town has seen a staggering percentage of its population enrolled in a food assistance program, highlighting the dire economic challenges faced by its residents.

Uncovering the Stark Realities of Stratford's Struggle

A Community in Crisis

Stratford, a town with a population of just 657, has found itself in the grips of a profound economic crisis. The town has witnessed the closure of several major employers, from a plywood mill to a local Carhartt outlet, leaving many residents without jobs and facing an uncertain future. This exodus of businesses has had a devastating impact on the community, with the unemployment rate in Stratford reaching 4.9% in August, nearly 2 percentage points higher than the statewide average of 3%.

Soaring Enrollment in Food Assistance Programs

The economic hardship faced by Stratford's residents is reflected in the staggering number of individuals enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to data analyzed by the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, a remarkable 19% of Stratford's population is enrolled in SNAP, three times the statewide average of 5.5%. This alarming statistic underscores the depth of the food insecurity crisis gripping the community.

Grandparents Shouldering the Burden

The challenges facing Stratford extend beyond just job losses and food insecurity. The community is also grappling with the impact of drug use, which has led to a growing number of grandparents being thrust into the role of raising their grandchildren. This added financial burden, on top of the struggle to afford basic necessities like food, has only exacerbated the town's woes.

Coos County's Disproportionate Poverty Rates

Stratford's plight is not an isolated incident; it is part of a broader trend observed in Coos County, the northernmost region of New Hampshire. According to Laura Milliken, the executive director of New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, the higher rates of poverty in Coos County have contributed to the higher-than-average enrollment in SNAP programs in some towns. This regional disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions and support to address the unique challenges faced by communities like Stratford.

Glimmers of Hope Amidst the Challenges

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Stratford has not been left to fend for itself. In response to the growing food insecurity, a local pastor, Mike Pelletier, has taken action by helping to establish a new food pantry in the community. This initiative aims to provide much-needed assistance to the town's residents, offering a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.

Addressing the Systemic Challenges

Ultimately, the situation in Stratford underscores the need for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to addressing the economic and social challenges facing the community. From targeted job creation initiatives to expanded social safety nets and community-based support programs, a holistic solution is required to lift Stratford and similar communities out of the cycle of poverty and food insecurity.