Fisherman’s Mark Expands FLY Program to Serve New Hope–Solebury Students

Claire Lynch

Fisherman’s Mark has expanded its FLY (Feeding Local Youth) program to include students in the New Hope–Solebury School District (NHSD), extending critical weekend meal support to middle and high school students who are facing food insecurity.

“FLY’s reach into New Hope–Solebury reflects how interconnected our region really is,” said Jennifer Williford, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Mark. “Families, volunteers, and staff travel across the river every day — and so does need. This expansion is a powerful example of how we can work together to make sure children are supported wherever they live.”

The expansion began in late October, in response to growing need among New Hope–Solebury students for reliable access to food outside of school hours. Meals are now being distributed weekly, with participation currently ranging from 24 to 34 students and expected to grow. NHSD students will also be eligible for Summer FLY lunches, ensuring continued access to meals when school is not in session.

Each Friday, Fisherman’s Mark prepares and packs weekend meal bags for students across multiple school districts, separating counts for each site before delivery. Meals are then transported directly to school locations, including New Hope Middle School, ensuring timely and discreet access for students and families. FLY already serves 94 children in Lambertville, and the addition of NHSD strengthens the program’s role as a regional safety net for youth facing food insecurity.

“From an operations standpoint, this fits right into how FLY already works,” said Nick Halladay, Program Manager at Fisherman’s Mark. “We separate counts by school and deliver directly to each site. What’s really meaningful is being able to see the kids and know these meals are making a difference.”

“This partnership with Fisherman’s Mark strengthens our ability to support students beyond the classroom. The FLY program helps us respond quickly and compassionately to food insecurity, and we’re thankful to work with an organization that understands how deeply nutrition, well-being, and academic success are connected,” said Dr. Charles Lentz, Superintendent of Schools, New Hope-Solebury School District.

By expanding FLY into New Hope–Solebury, Fisherman’s Mark is continuing to respond to growing regional need — ensuring more children have reliable access to nutritious food, stability at home, and one less thing to worry about when the school week ends.

Alongside FLY, Fisherman’s Mark provides food, meals, and social services through programs including the Free MARKet food pantry, Mobile MARKet, and Zero Waste meal program — all designed to help families and seniors find stability and support. More information is available at fishermansmark.org.