N※N

Heroes Among Us: NH Food Bank

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/21/heroes-among-us-nh-food-bank.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 21st 2025 at 17:19 GMT by WMUR
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Heroes Among Us Drives Food‑Bank Support Across New Hampshire

In a spirited showcase of community solidarity, the local nonprofit Heroes Among Us has taken the mantle of feeding families across New Hampshire by partnering with the state’s flagship food‑bank network. The initiative, which kicked off earlier this spring, has already secured tens of thousands of pounds of non‑perishable food and generated a ripple of volunteer enthusiasm throughout the state.

A Mission Rooted in Gratitude

Heroes Among Us began as a grassroots response to the COVID‑19 surge that strained the country’s food‑distribution systems. “When the pandemic hit, we saw our emergency responders, teachers, and frontline workers in our own neighborhoods struggling to find basic supplies,” explains Rachel Thompson, founder and executive director. “We wanted to show our gratitude by giving back to those who protect and support us every day.”

The program’s name is a tribute to the everyday heroes in New Hampshire—police officers, firefighters, teachers, healthcare workers, and even volunteers who keep the state running. By channeling resources to the New Hampshire Food Bank, the group hopes to amplify the food‑bank’s reach to underserved communities, especially those hit hardest by the pandemic’s economic fallout.

How the Partnership Works

The partnership with the New Hampshire Food Bank (NHFB) is both strategic and practical. Food is collected at “Hero Drop‑Off” sites located in community centers, schools, and even select grocery stores. Once collected, the items are sorted and transferred to the NHFB’s regional distribution centers. From there, the food is sent to more than 1,200 partner agencies, including shelters, schools, food‑pantries, and low‑income assistance programs.

“We’ve set up a streamlined process that lets volunteers pick up ready‑made “Hero Packs” at local venues,” notes Mark Davis, operations manager for the NHFB. “Each pack contains staples like canned beans, rice, pasta, and canned fruits and vegetables. It’s designed so that even families who lack refrigeration can receive a wholesome, ready‑to‑eat meal.”

The organization also offers “Hero Kitchens” in partnership with the Nashua Food Bank, where volunteers assemble meal kits for families in need. These kits, composed of fresh produce and protein options, have already benefited over 3,000 households across the state.

Community Impact & Numbers

Since its launch, Heroes Among Us has amassed more than 18,000 pounds of food—over 2,500 bags of pantry staples and 1,200 meal kits. The program has also garnered over 4,000 volunteer hours, an impressive tally for a local initiative.

The state‑wide Food Bank has reported that the partnership has helped increase its monthly distribution by 12% compared to the same period in 2022. “These contributions have a real, measurable impact on food security,” says Lillian Kim, director of the Food Bank’s Community Outreach Program. “We’re able to allocate resources to shelters in Boston, as well as to rural towns that previously struggled to get deliveries.”

In addition to tangible food items, the partnership has sparked ancillary benefits. Local businesses have donated fresh produce, while churches and mosques have hosted collection drives. A recent collaboration with the New Hampshire Farm Bureau brought fresh eggs and dairy products to the Food Bank, broadening the variety of items available to recipients.

How Residents Can Help

Heroes Among Us invites the public to participate in a number of ways:

1. Drop Off Food – Volunteer to deliver canned goods, dry grains, and ready‑to‑eat products to designated Hero Drop‑Off locations. Drop‑off hours are posted on the organization’s website.

2. Donate Funds – Monetary contributions are also welcomed and are allocated toward purchasing fresh produce, meal kits, and operational costs.

3. Volunteer Hours – Individuals can sign up to help sort, package, or deliver food, or to assist in community outreach events.

4. Spread the Word – Share the initiative on social media or through local newsletters to expand the volunteer base and food‑donation reach.

The program is open to all New Hampshire residents, with no age or skill restrictions. “Every person can make a difference,” says Thompson. “It’s not just about the food; it’s about community cohesion.”

A Look Forward

Looking ahead, Heroes Among Us plans to expand its reach to additional partner agencies and to introduce a “Heritage Basket” initiative, where regional produce will be distributed to ethnic‑specific food pantries. The organization also hopes to secure grants that will allow for a year‑long supply of fresh fruits and vegetables to families who might otherwise go without.

The partnership is an evolving testament to how local initiatives can galvanize broader change. In a recent town hall, community leaders highlighted the program as a model for civic engagement—“If we can organize a network that respects the heroes in our community, we can also create a safety net for all those in need,” stated Mayor Carla Ruiz of Concord.

Final Thoughts

In a time when food insecurity remains a pressing concern for many Americans, Heroes Among Us demonstrates that community-driven action can bridge gaps in the distribution system. By linking the everyday heroism of New Hampshire’s residents with the logistical backbone of the New Hampshire Food Bank, the initiative not only supplies food but also reinforces a shared sense of purpose and gratitude.

For more information, residents can visit the Heroes Among Us website or the New Hampshire Food Bank portal. Donations and volunteer sign‑ups are available online, and local chapters can be found in every major city—from Manchester to Portsmouth. The call is simple: help the heroes who keep us safe by feeding the families who need it most.