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Food pantries worried about upcoming cuts to food assistance programs

The article from WMUR, titled "Food pantries brace for increased demand as SNAP benefits are cut in New Hampshire," published on November 7, 2025, addresses the growing concerns among food pantries and hunger relief organizations in New Hampshire as federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits face reductions. These cuts are expected to exacerbate food insecurity in the state, placing additional strain on local food pantries and community resources already struggling to meet rising demand. The piece highlights the broader implications of these cuts, including the personal stories of affected individuals, the responses from nonprofit organizations, and the systemic challenges contributing to food insecurity in the region.

The article begins by outlining the immediate impact of the SNAP benefit reductions, which are part of a broader rollback of emergency allotments that were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. These emergency allotments provided additional monthly benefits to SNAP recipients to help offset the economic hardships caused by the public health crisis. However, with the federal government phasing out these extra funds, many New Hampshire families are seeing their monthly food assistance drop significantly. For some households, this reduction translates to a loss of $95 or more per month, a substantial amount for low-income families already stretched thin by rising costs of living, including housing, utilities, and groceries.

Local food pantries and hunger relief organizations, such as the New Hampshire Food Bank, are preparing for an influx of individuals and families seeking assistance to fill the gap left by the SNAP cuts. The New Hampshire Food Bank, a key player in the state’s hunger relief network, distributes food to over 400 partner agencies, including pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. According to the article, the organization has already seen a steady increase in demand over the past year, with many pantries reporting record numbers of visitors. The anticipated surge due to SNAP reductions is expected to push these resources to their limits, raising concerns about whether there will be enough food and funding to meet the growing need.

The article includes insights from food pantry directors and staff who are on the front lines of addressing hunger in their communities. For instance, a representative from a local pantry in Manchester noted that they are already serving more people than ever before, with many first-time visitors who have never needed assistance in the past. These new clients often cite job loss, medical emergencies, or the inability to keep up with inflation as reasons for seeking help. The reduction in SNAP benefits is seen as an additional blow to these vulnerable populations, forcing them to rely on charitable organizations that are themselves grappling with limited resources and rising operational costs.

Personal stories featured in the article underscore the human toll of these cuts. One individual, a single mother of two from Nashua, shared her struggle to provide nutritious meals for her children after her SNAP benefits were reduced. She explained that the loss of the emergency allotment meant she could no longer afford fresh produce or protein, often resorting to cheaper, less healthy options to stretch her budget. Her story reflects a broader trend of families having to make difficult choices between food and other essentials like rent or medical bills. The emotional and physical strain of food insecurity is evident in her account, as she describes the stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from and the impact it has on her children’s well-being.

The article also delves into the systemic factors contributing to food insecurity in New Hampshire, beyond the immediate SNAP cuts. Despite being a relatively affluent state, New Hampshire faces unique challenges, including a lack of affordable housing and limited access to public transportation, which can make it difficult for low-income residents to reach grocery stores or food pantries. Additionally, rural areas of the state often lack sufficient hunger relief infrastructure, meaning that residents in these regions may have to travel long distances for assistance. The rising cost of food, driven by inflation and supply chain disruptions, further compounds these issues, making it harder for families to afford even basic necessities.

In response to the SNAP reductions, hunger relief organizations are ramping up efforts to secure additional funding and food donations. The New Hampshire Food Bank, for example, is launching emergency fundraising campaigns and partnering with local businesses and community groups to bolster their supplies. However, representatives from the organization caution that donations alone may not be enough to address the scale of the crisis. They are also advocating for policy changes at the state and federal levels to protect SNAP benefits and expand access to other forms of assistance, such as school meal programs and subsidies for farmers’ markets.

The article highlights the role of volunteers in supporting food pantries during this challenging time. Many pantries rely heavily on volunteer labor to sort and distribute food, and there is a growing call for community members to get involved. While volunteer turnout has been strong in some areas, others are struggling to find enough hands to keep up with demand. The piece encourages readers to consider donating time, money, or food items to their local pantries, emphasizing that even small contributions can make a significant difference for families in need.

Broader economic trends are also discussed as contributing factors to the current crisis. The article notes that while the national economy has shown signs of recovery post-pandemic, many low-income households have not felt the benefits of this growth. Wage stagnation, coupled with the rising cost of living, has left many New Hampshire residents in a precarious financial position. The end of pandemic-era relief programs, including enhanced unemployment benefits and stimulus payments, has further eroded the safety net for these families, making SNAP benefits an even more critical lifeline.

The piece also touches on the long-term consequences of food insecurity, particularly for children. Research cited in the article indicates that chronic hunger can have lasting effects on physical and mental health, as well as academic performance. Children who experience food insecurity are more likely to struggle with developmental delays, behavioral issues, and poor school outcomes, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Hunger relief advocates argue that protecting SNAP benefits is not just a matter of immediate relief but an investment in the future well-being of the state’s population.

In conclusion, the WMUR article paints a sobering picture of the challenges facing New Hampshire residents and hunger relief organizations in the wake of SNAP benefit cuts. It emphasizes the urgent need for community support, policy advocacy, and systemic change to address the root causes of food insecurity. The personal stories and data presented in the piece serve as a call to action for readers, urging them to recognize the scale of the problem and take steps to help those in need. As food pantries brace for increased demand, the resilience of New Hampshire’s communities will be tested, but the article suggests that collective action and compassion can make a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger. This comprehensive coverage, spanning over 700 words, reflects the depth of the issue and the multifaceted response required to mitigate its impact on the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Read the Full WMUR Article at:
[ https://www.wmur.com/article/food-pantries-cuts-snap-new-hampshire-7725/65323323 ]