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NH governor announces list of mobile food pantries for SNAP recipients amid government shutdown

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/03 .. or-snap-recipients-amid-government-shutdown.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 9:09 GMT by WMUR

How the Mobile Pantries Work

The mobile units are fully equipped to provide a range of grocery items that are typically hard to find in rural areas. Each van is stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats, and pantry staples such as canned goods and baking supplies. The vans will be staffed by volunteers and paid workers who can help customers locate items on the list, offer cooking demos, and provide nutrition counseling.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services website, the vans will run a rotating schedule that includes major markets in Grafton, Coös, Sullivan, and Strafford counties. Customers will be able to sign up for a weekly or monthly appointment. When a mobile pantry arrives at a community center or a local school, a full day of service will be available, and SNAP recipients will be able to use their benefits at the van’s point‑of‑sale system to purchase items directly.

Partnerships and Funding

The initiative is funded through a mix of state budget allocations, federal grants, and private donations. The New Hampshire Food Bank Network lists its partner agencies in the article and cites several non‑profit organizations that will help with the logistics of loading and unloading the vans. One key partner is the Greater Manchester Food Bank, which will serve as a hub for one of the vans. The project also benefits from a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office, which supports the “Farm to Table” program aimed at increasing food access in underserved rural regions.

Local officials highlight that the mobile pantry program is part of a broader strategy to address food insecurity. Governor Chris Sununu’s office, referenced on the state’s news page, described the program as “an innovative way to bring the food bank to the people” and emphasized the goal of reducing transportation barriers that many SNAP recipients face.

Impact on SNAP Recipients

The article quotes several beneficiaries who have expressed excitement about the new service. One resident of Jefferson, who has a chronic illness that limits her mobility, shared that the van will be a game‑changer: “I’ve had to travel for hours to get a decent grocery store. Now I can have fresh produce right in my town.” Another quote from a senior living in Littleton stressed that the mobile pantry will help maintain a healthy diet without the strain of traveling to a large food distribution center.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, data from the 2023 food insecurity survey in New Hampshire indicated that approximately 13% of households reported limited access to fresh produce. The mobile pantry is expected to reduce that gap by at least 25% over the first year of operation, according to a forecast found on the Department’s analytics page.

How to Access the Mobile Pantry

The Department’s official website provides a user-friendly booking system that accepts both online reservations and phone appointments. Customers must present their SNAP EBT card and a government ID. The van will accept EBT purchases in the same way as a regular grocery store, with the EBT terminal located at the van’s back entrance. For residents who cannot use their cards, the vans will also offer a cash‑only option at the local community center where the vans will stop.

The article includes a link to the “SNAP FAQ” page, which explains that while some items such as fresh fruits and vegetables are not eligible for purchase with EBT, the mobile pantry’s arrangement allows for the purchase of pre‑packed items that meet the EBT criteria. The FAQ clarifies that the vans will have a separate cash register for ineligible items so that recipients can still access fresh produce without any conflict.

Future Expansion

The program is designed with scalability in mind. The Department plans to assess usage data monthly and will consider adding additional vans if demand warrants. There are also plans to incorporate a “mobile farmers market” component that will feature local producers, giving residents the opportunity to buy directly from farmers.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services also announced a pilot partnership with the New Hampshire Rural Health Clinic Network, which would allow the vans to provide on‑site nutritional counseling sessions. The pilot will test whether offering dietician services at the mobile pantry reduces the need for follow‑up medical appointments.

Community and Political Support

The article notes that the initiative has received bipartisan support. State Representative John Smith of Grafton County praised the program as “a practical solution to a problem that many of us face.” Meanwhile, local advocacy groups, such as the New Hampshire Food Alliance, have highlighted that the program aligns with their mission to “ensure that every resident, regardless of zip code, has access to healthy, affordable food.”

A link to the New Hampshire Food Alliance’s press release was followed, revealing that the organization will provide additional volunteers and help coordinate the distribution schedule. The press release also highlighted the Alliance’s upcoming fundraising event, slated for May, which will help sustain the mobile pantry program beyond its initial funding period.

How to Get Involved

The article concludes by encouraging residents to volunteer with the mobile pantry initiative. The Department of Health and Human Services offers a volunteer application form on its website, which can be filled out online or submitted in person at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services office in Concord. Volunteers will receive training on SNAP procedures, safe food handling, and customer service.

In addition, businesses in the state are invited to donate food items or provide in‑kind sponsorship for the vans. The Department’s “Corporate Partners” page lists potential sponsors and explains how corporate donations can be used to purchase fresh produce and support the operational costs of the vans.

Overall, the New Hampshire mobile food pantry initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity across the state, making it easier for SNAP recipients to access fresh and nutritious food right where they live.