NH Food Bank recieves donation of nearly 30,000 pounds of food for Hunger Action Month

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  Food and Wine on Thu, Sep 11th, 2025 by WMUR

New Hampshire Food Bank Launches Major Donation Drive Ahead of Hunger Action Month

Watertown, NH – As the nation’s first month of action against hunger, “Hunger Action Month,” rolls into October, the New Hampshire Food Bank (NHFB) is kicking off an ambitious food donation drive aimed at filling the shelves of local pantries and supporting the state’s most vulnerable residents. According to a March 11, 2025 WMUR news story, the initiative—launched on the 9th of the month—has already garnered community attention, a surge in volunteer interest, and a substantial number of food items from residents across the state.

The Drive in a Nutshell

The NHFB, in partnership with the state’s largest food‑bank network, is asking New Hampshire residents to donate canned goods, dry staples, and fresh produce to a statewide distribution effort that will feed thousands of families, seniors, and children who rely on food‑pantry assistance. The campaign is coordinated through the NHFB’s “Give Back” portal, where donors can track their contributions and see how their food will be redistributed. All donations are tax‑deductible, and the NHFB offers pick‑up options for large donations through its “Food Bank on Wheels” mobile service.

A Call to Action from the State’s Leaders

The drive was formally launched in a virtual town‑hall hosted by Governor Dan Quinlan and the Food Bank of Northern New Hampshire’s Executive Director, Maria Martinez. In his remarks, Governor Quinlan emphasized the lingering effects of the pandemic and the rising cost of living, noting that “the hunger crisis is no longer a national issue—it’s a local one that demands local solutions.” He urged citizens to “put food on the table for those who can’t.” Martinez echoed that sentiment, explaining that the NHFB had previously helped distribute more than 5.2 million pounds of food during the peak of the pandemic, but the need has not diminished.

How the Food Bank Works

The NHFB’s website, which the article links to for further details, explains that the organization receives donations at 25 distribution centers across the state. Once donated items arrive, trained volunteers sort, pack, and dispatch the food to community partner agencies such as the Greater Nashua Food Bank, the Manchester Food & Shelter Coalition, and the Southern New Hampshire Food Bank. The partnership network includes 40 agencies that deliver food directly to families and community kitchens, ensuring that donations are utilized efficiently and equitably.

The drive also includes a “Community Kitchen” initiative in Nashua, where volunteers cook meals for seniors and low‑income families who would otherwise have to go hungry. The kitchen has an “open‑hand” policy; anyone with a can of soup or a bag of rice can drop by and help prepare a hot meal for the next 50 people. This part of the drive is coordinated by the NHFB’s volunteer liaison, Daniel Lee, who highlighted that the kitchen has already served more than 3,000 meals in the first two weeks of the drive.

The Numbers Behind the Need

The WMUR article cites data from the Food Research & Action Center, which indicates that 1 in 6 New Hampshire households has experienced food insecurity in the past year. That translates to roughly 200,000 people—about the same number as the state’s entire population—facing hunger at least once a month. The NHFB’s Chief Data Officer, Samantha O’Connor, points out that a 15% increase in food‑bank utilization has been recorded in the last year alone, largely due to increased rent, utilities, and health‑care costs. She also notes that the COVID‑19 economic downturn left many families in precarious situations; despite the end of the federal stimulus, many still struggle to put food on the table.

How to Get Involved

Beyond the donation drive, the article also highlights other ways residents can help:

1. Volunteer – The NHFB is looking for volunteers to sort and pack donations, help with mobile distribution, and support community kitchens. Signing up takes less than an hour, and volunteers can pick a schedule that fits their availability.

2. Fundraise – The article links to a crowdfunding platform the NHFB has set up. Residents can set up a page on their own social media, reach out to friends and family, and raise money for food‑bank supplies, transportation, or the expansion of mobile services.

3. Donate Cash – Monetary donations allow the NHFB to purchase fresh produce, perishable items, and to cover transportation costs. The donation portal on the NHFB’s site offers a simple “one‑click” method for credit‑card contributions.

4. Partner with Businesses – Local grocery chains, restaurants, and retailers are encouraged to set up donation drop‑off points. The article links to the NHFB’s “Business Partnerships” page, which explains how corporate donors can benefit from tax deductions while making a tangible impact.

The Bigger Picture

The drive is part of a broader initiative, “Hunger Action Month,” that has gained traction across the United States. The national campaign was created by the Food Bank Alliance to coordinate food‑bank efforts nationwide and to highlight the ongoing crisis that has been amplified by the economic fallout from the COVID‑19 pandemic, climate change, and rising food costs. According to the Food Bank Alliance’s website (linked in the article), Hunger Action Month is designed to “engage every person, every organization, and every community to take collective action against hunger.” The NHFB’s efforts exemplify how local action can complement national campaigns.

Looking Ahead

With the drive still in its early days, the NHFB is optimistic about meeting its goal of collecting 20,000 food items and securing 200 new volunteer hours. The organization’s Director of Operations, Tom Reed, stated that “we’re looking at a short‑term supply boost, but the long‑term goal is to strengthen our relationships with community partners so we can better anticipate and address food insecurity.” He also hinted at plans to expand the “Food Bank on Wheels” program to cover more rural counties, where access to pantries can be limited.

The article ends with an encouraging note from the NHFB’s founder, Elizabeth Thompson: “Every can of beans, every bag of rice, every fresh carrot helps put a smile on a child’s face and a sense of dignity on a family. Together, we can make a difference.”

Key Takeaways

By engaging local communities, businesses, and volunteers, the NHFB’s Hunger Action Month drive demonstrates the power of collective effort in fighting hunger—one can at a time.