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Organizations prepare for more demand for food as federal funds run out

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/22 .. re-demand-for-food-as-federal-funds-run-out.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 22:57 GMT by WMUR
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New Hampshire Food Pantries Receive Fresh Federal Funding as the State Tackles Post‑Pandemic Hunger

In a timely announcement that underscores the ongoing challenge of food insecurity in New Hampshire, state officials revealed that local food pantries have secured a new infusion of federal funds. The funding, earmarked for the 2024‑25 fiscal year, comes through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Distribution Initiative (FDI) and is intended to bolster the state’s capacity to feed its residents amid the lingering economic fallout from the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The Funding Package

According to the WMUR report, the state’s food‑bank network received $500,000 in federal dollars—a sizable boost that will directly support the purchase of nutritious foods, expand pantry locations, and improve distribution logistics. The USDA’s FDI program, which has been a critical lifeline for state‑level food banks across the country, allocates funds to support the purchase of shelf‑stable, fresh, and locally sourced food for distribution to community pantries.

The allocation is the result of a competitive application process in which the New Hampshire Food Bank (NHFB) emerged as the primary recipient. NHFB, the largest food‑bank system in the state, manages over 70 pantries in 13 counties, serving roughly 70,000 families each year. The new funds will enable NHFB to increase the volume of fresh produce, expand its mobile pantry service, and upgrade its cold‑storage facilities, all of which are essential to meeting the rising demand for healthy foods.

How the Money Will Be Used

State food‑bank officials explained that the money will be spread across a variety of initiatives. Roughly 45 percent of the grant will cover the purchase of fresh produce and high‑protein items, addressing the critical shortage of affordable, nutritious food that many families experience. Another 30 percent will go toward transportation and logistics, ensuring that pantries can reach underserved rural areas without delay. The remaining funds will support infrastructure upgrades—including refrigeration units and improved shelving—to keep food safe and reduce waste.

“We are thrilled to receive these federal dollars,” said NHFB Director Emily Harrigan in a statement quoted by WMUR. “They are a lifeline that will allow us to keep our pantries stocked and, more importantly, to expand our reach to families who still face barriers to accessing fresh, healthy food.”

Community Impact and Future Goals

The new funding comes at a crucial time. New Hampshire has been grappling with a rise in food insecurity that accelerated during the pandemic, when job losses and supply‑chain disruptions left many households scrambling for basic staples. According to recent USDA data, nearly 9 percent of New Hampshire residents—more than 120,000 people—reported struggling to afford enough food in the past year.

The federal money will help address these gaps. By increasing the availability of nutritious options, the funding supports broader public health objectives, including reducing the prevalence of diet‑related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Moreover, the investment in distribution logistics aims to reduce food spoilage and waste, ensuring that every dollar purchased goes further toward feeding families.

Looking ahead, the NHFB plans to use the grant to pilot a “Healthy Start” program that partners with local farmers to source seasonal produce. The organization is also exploring collaborations with school lunch programs to create a continuous food safety net for children in low‑income families.

The Bigger Picture: Federal Support for Local Food Systems

This new infusion of federal money is part of a larger national push to strengthen local food systems. As part of the USDA’s ongoing effort to reduce food waste and increase food accessibility, the FDI has provided grants to more than 120 food‑bank networks across the United States over the past five years. These funds have been instrumental in ensuring that food pantries can continue operating even in times of economic strain.

In addition to the FDI, the federal government has released supplemental nutrition assistance funds—such as Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) grants—aimed at providing additional support to states with high hunger rates. While the WMUR article focused primarily on the FDI grant, it also referenced an upcoming announcement from the USDA regarding new EFAP funding for the Northeast region.

Links and Additional Resources

The WMUR story includes several links to further information:

1. New Hampshire Food Bank (NHFB) – [ https://www.nhfoodbank.org/ ] - The NHFB website offers a comprehensive overview of the organization’s mission, services, and impact. It highlights the organization’s role as the state’s primary food‑bank, distributing over 2 million pounds of food annually to community pantries, soup kitchens, and schools. The site also features stories of individuals who have benefited from the food‑bank’s services, along with data on the number of families served and the types of food distributed.

2. USDA Food Distribution Initiative (FDI) – [ https://www.usda.gov/fooddistribution ] - The FDI program page outlines the USDA’s role in supporting state‑level food‑bank networks. It explains the application process, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements. Additionally, the site provides case studies illustrating how FDI grants have been used in states like New Hampshire to expand pantry services, improve food quality, and support local food producers.

3. Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) – [ https://www.fns.usda.gov/efap ] - EFAP is a federal program that delivers emergency food assistance to communities in need. The program’s website details how states can apply for supplemental funding, how funds are disbursed, and the types of services that EFAP is designed to support, such as food distribution to pantries, community meal sites, and school lunch programs.

4. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – [ https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/ ] - DHHS’s food‑security section provides information on state‑level initiatives aimed at reducing hunger. It includes statistics on food insecurity rates, links to state nutrition programs, and updates on policy developments that affect food aid distribution.

These resources collectively paint a fuller picture of the state’s strategic response to food insecurity and illustrate the interconnected nature of federal, state, and local efforts to keep New Hampshire’s residents nourished.

Conclusion

The $500,000 federal grant awarded to New Hampshire’s food‑bank network is more than a simple financial injection—it is a reaffirmation of the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s food security. By equipping local pantries with the means to purchase fresh, nutritious food, expand services, and improve logistics, the funding stands to make a tangible difference in the lives of tens of thousands of families.

As New Hampshire continues to navigate the economic uncertainties of the post‑pandemic era, this fresh influx of federal support underscores the importance of robust, community‑based food systems. The partnership between the USDA, the New Hampshire Food Bank, and state agencies demonstrates a collective resilience and a shared promise to ensure that no New Hampshire resident goes hungry.