
Founded in 2011, the Lunch Buddy Program is a school-based youth mentoring initiative implemented in 21 schools throughout Catawba County, including Catawba County Schools, Hickory Public Schools, and Newton-Conover City Schools.
The Lunch Buddy Program connects carefully screened and trained adult volunteer mentors with students who have been identified as being at risk for social, academic, or behavioral challenges. These students may struggle with issues such as social anxiety, loneliness, poor academic performance, chronic absenteeism, or a lack of meaningful connection to their school community.
Lunch Buddies meet once each week at school during the student's lunch period. Together, they share a meal, talk, play games, work on social skills, and build a supportive relationship through regular, consistent interaction! For many students, having a trusted adult who listens, encourages, and shows up week after week can improve confidence, school engagement, attendance, behavior, and so much more!
The program is built on the belief that every child deserves a caring adult in their corner. By fostering positive relationships and creating opportunities for connection, the Lunch Buddy Program helps students develop the social and emotional skills, resilience, and sense of belonging they need to thrive in school and beyond!

One lunch hour a week can make all the difference. Become a Lunch Buddy today and help a student feel seen, supported, and connected!

Find everything you need to support your Lunch Buddy, including our mentor manual, training resources, conversation starters, and mentoring tips.

Explore the Lunch Buddy Program through impact data. Learn how mentoring relationships are making a difference in our community!
It takes a village to raise a child! No single person can meet every need a young person has. Mentors become part of a larger circle of support, offering encouragement, stability, and a trusted relationship that can help students feel seen, valued, and connected during difficult seasons of life.
Students are referred to our program for many reasons. Some have experienced family changes, loss, trauma, or other difficult life circumstances. Others may be struggling socially, emotionally, or academically, or could simply benefit from an additional supportive relationship outside of their immediate family.
If you think your child could benefit from having a Lunch Buddy, we encourage you to reach out and start the conversation! We'd be happy to answer your questions and help determine whether the program might be a good fit for your family.
Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Before joining the Council in 2025, Bunny worked as an art teacher at Catawba Rosenwald Education Center (CREC), where she connected with some of Catawba County's most resilient and creative students! She’s passionate about mentoring and believes in giving young people opportunities to explore and experience a diverse and beautiful world. Bunny is also an artist and runs a side business selling art, toys, and games out of refurbished snack vending machines!
When she’s not working, you can usually find her painting, hiking, roller skating, or playing video games. She’s excited to bring her creativity and enthusiasm to the Council and connect with the amazing young people growing up in our community.
For more information reach out to Bunny,
beaton@coacatawba.org or call the office, 828-322-4591!