The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners appointed Lambeth Chalk to the New Hanover County Hispanic/Latino Commission at its April 1 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, according to a news release.

"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," the release stated.

As a student at UNCW, Chalk earned 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," according to the release.

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. 

“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," Chalk stated in the release. "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.”

A nonprofit, NourishNC distributed over 600,000 meals last year.