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NH lawmakers advance contingency plan for emergency food assistance benefits

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 18:47 GMT by WMUR
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New Hampshire Unveils Comprehensive Contingency Plan to Secure Food for SNAP Beneficiaries During Emergencies

In an effort to protect the most vulnerable residents from food insecurity amid natural disasters and other emergencies, the state of New Hampshire has released a detailed contingency plan that will guide the distribution of emergency food assistance to people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The plan, announced by the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) and the Office of Emergency Management, lays out a coordinated approach that brings together state agencies, local food banks, and federal partners to ensure that families and seniors can access nutritious meals even when routine food supply chains are disrupted.

Why a Contingency Plan Is Needed

New Hampshire is no stranger to the threat of severe weather. From winter storms that bring crippling blizzards and power outages to tropical cyclones that cause flooding and widespread power loss, the state has witnessed how emergencies can stall grocery deliveries, close retail stores, and put food out of reach for people who already struggle to afford it. While SNAP benefits provide a safety net under normal circumstances, the program is not designed to handle the unique challenges that arise when food supply chains are disrupted by emergencies.

In the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the state’s Food Assistance Program (FAP) highlighted gaps in emergency food distribution. “During the peak of the pandemic, we saw that our traditional supply mechanisms were overwhelmed,” says DHHS spokesperson Emily Hartman. “We needed a plan that would give us the flexibility to shift resources quickly, prioritize those in the greatest need, and coordinate across multiple agencies.”

The contingency plan addresses these concerns by providing a framework that includes clear lines of authority, resource allocation strategies, and communication protocols. The goal is to keep emergency food assistance flowing to those who need it most, regardless of the type or scale of the emergency.

Key Elements of the Plan

1. Rapid Response Framework

The plan establishes a “Rapid Response Team” that will be activated within 24 hours of an emergency declaration. This team will include representatives from DHHS, the Office of Emergency Management, the New Hampshire Food Bank Association, and the Department of Agriculture. The team’s primary task will be to assess immediate food needs and deploy resources accordingly.

2. Leveraging the Emergency Food Assistance (EFA) Program

New Hampshire’s EFA program, administered through the New Hampshire Food Bank Association, serves as the backbone of the state’s emergency food supply. The plan expands the EFA’s reach by:

• Increasing the allocation of emergency food vouchers that can be used at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
• Expanding distribution points to include community centers, senior centers, and shelters.
• Partnering with private donors and corporate sponsors to boost the food inventory in storage facilities.

3. SNAP Flexibility

The plan grants DHHS the authority to temporarily adjust SNAP benefit distribution during emergencies. This includes:

• E‑delivery of SNAP benefits to ensure that households can purchase groceries online if physical stores are closed.
• Simplified claim processes for new applicants in crisis zones.
• Priority for senior and low‑income households during the allocation of benefits.

4. Coordination with FEMA and Federal Grants

The state will work closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to secure additional funding through the Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs. The contingency plan includes a streamlined application process that allows state agencies to request and receive federal funds more quickly, ensuring that emergency food distribution can be scaled up without bureaucratic delays.

5. Community‑Based Partnerships

The plan emphasizes collaboration with local community groups, faith‑based organizations, and volunteer networks. These partnerships will:

• Help identify at‑risk households that may have been missed by traditional data collection.
• Facilitate door‑to‑door delivery of emergency meals to those who cannot travel to distribution points.
• Provide logistical support such as vehicles and cold‑storage units.

Implementation and Training

A comprehensive training program will be rolled out for all stakeholders, including state employees, local food bank volunteers, and community partners. The training will cover:

• Emergency communication protocols for rapid notification of the Rapid Response Team.
• Food safety standards for handling and distributing emergency meals.
• Use of technology platforms that track inventory and beneficiary needs in real time.

The DHHS has also announced that it will conduct a full‑scale drill in early 2026, in partnership with the state’s Emergency Management Agency and the New Hampshire Food Bank Association. The drill will simulate a major winter storm scenario to test the plan’s effectiveness and identify any gaps that need addressing.

Impact on Residents

The contingency plan is designed to directly benefit more than 40,000 residents who are already SNAP recipients in New Hampshire. For these households, the plan means:

• Faster access to food when grocery stores are temporarily closed.
• Continued receipt of SNAP benefits even when traditional banking channels are disrupted.
• Expanded options for meal delivery through local food banks and community partners.

For seniors, in particular, the plan offers a safety net that reduces the risk of food‑related health complications during emergencies. The DHHS spokesperson notes, “We are working to ensure that seniors do not have to choose between staying safe and eating well during a crisis.”

Looking Ahead

New Hampshire’s contingency plan for emergency food assistance is part of a broader strategy to build resilience in the state’s food system. The DHHS is already exploring the integration of technology, such as mobile apps that allow residents to check real‑time food availability and request assistance directly from their smartphones. The state also plans to expand its partnerships with local farmers to keep fresh produce in the food supply chain even during disruptions.

In the words of Governor Chris Sununu, “Food is a basic human right, and during times of crisis, it is even more vital that we stand together to keep our communities nourished. This plan is a testament to that commitment.”