The New Hampshire Food Bank, operated by Catholic Charities New Hampshire, serves as the primary food bank in the state, supporting over 400 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. This network ensures that food assistance reaches those in need across all counties in New Hampshire. Notable food distribution centers include the Manchester, Keene, and Rochester mobile food pantries, which provide essential services on scheduled days throughout the month.
New Hampshire Food Bank Overview
The New Hampshire Food Bank, managed by Catholic Charities New Hampshire, is the state’s primary food distribution hub, serving all ten counties. This central organization supports over 400 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters, to distribute food and resources to those in need throughout New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Food Bank
- Location: 700 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH 03109
- Service Counties: Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, Sullivan
- Contact Number: 603-669-9725
- Website: New Hampshire Food Bank
Mobile Food Pantry
The New Hampshire Food Bank’s mobile food pantry travels to various locations across the state to provide food to those in need. Here are some example locations and schedules:
- Laconia: Lakes Region Community College, 379 Belmont Rd, Laconia, NH
- Bethlehem: Littleton Elk’s Club, 42 Main St, US-302, Bethlehem, NH
- Keene: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 33 Arch Street, Keene, NH
- Bristol: Newfound Regional High School, 150 Newfound Rd, Bristol, NH
- Rochester: Rochester Ice Arena, 63 Lowell St, Rochester, NH
- Manchester: Comcast, 676 Island Pond Rd, Manchester, NH (enter from East Industrial Park Dr)
Local Food Pantries and Partner Agencies
The NH Food Bank supports over 400 agencies across the state. Some examples include:
- Friendly Kitchen: Concord, NH
- Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter: Nashua, NH
- St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry: Exeter, NH
How New Hampshire Food Banks Operate
New Hampshire food banks operate through a central organization, the New Hampshire Food Bank, which is a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire. The Food Bank collaborates with over 400 partner agencies across the state, including local food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s programs, and senior centers. These partner agencies receive food from the central Food Bank, which distributes millions of pounds of food annually. The process involves several steps:
- Food Collection and Donation: The NH Food Bank collects food through donations from individuals, corporations, grocery stores, and food drives. They also receive government food commodities and purchase food in bulk to meet demand.
- Food Sorting and Storage: Donated food is sorted, inspected for quality and safety, and stored in their Manchester facility. This facility includes cold storage for perishable items and large warehouses for non-perishable goods.
- Distribution to Partner Agencies: The sorted food is then distributed to partner agencies across all ten counties in New Hampshire. These agencies then provide the food directly to individuals and families in need.
- Mobile Food Pantries: The NH Food Bank also operates mobile food pantries that travel to underserved areas, ensuring that food assistance reaches all corners of the state.
- Special Programs: The Food Bank runs programs like NH Feeding NH, which supports local farmers by purchasing and distributing locally grown produce, protein, and dairy.
How to Donate to Food Banks in New Hampshire
Donating to food banks in New Hampshire is straightforward and can be done in several ways:
- Monetary Donations: Donations can be made online through the New Hampshire Food Bank’s website. These funds help the Food Bank purchase food in bulk and cover operational costs.
- Food Donations: Non-perishable food items can be donated directly to the NH Food Bank or to any of their partner agencies. Items in high demand include canned goods, pasta, rice, and baby food.
- Corporate Sponsorship and Food Drives: Businesses can support the Food Bank through sponsorships, hosting food drives, or matching employee donations.
- Volunteer Your Time: Volunteers are essential to the operation of the NH Food Bank. Opportunities include sorting food, assisting at mobile food pantries, and helping with special events.
Importance of New Hampshire Food Banks
Food banks in New Hampshire play a critical role in addressing food insecurity across the state. Their importance can be highlighted through several key points:
- Alleviating Hunger: With nearly 10% of NH residents experiencing food insecurity, food banks provide essential nutrition to thousands of families, children, and seniors who might otherwise go hungry.
- Supporting Community Health: By distributing nutritious food, food banks help improve the overall health and well-being of the community. Access to healthy food is crucial for preventing chronic diseases and supporting growth and development, especially in children.
- Economic Support: Programs like NH Feeding NH support local farmers and the state economy by purchasing and distributing locally grown food. This not only provides fresh produce to those in need but also sustains local agricultural businesses.
- Disaster and Crisis Response: Food banks are vital during emergencies and natural disasters. They provide immediate relief by distributing food and resources to affected communities, ensuring that basic needs are met during crises.
- Educational Programs: Food banks offer programs that educate the public about nutrition, food safety, and self-sufficiency. These programs empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their dietary habits and overall quality of life.