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NH Food Bank faces increased demand as food insecurity rates continue to rise statewide by NH Business Review for NH Food Bank Staff

NH Food Bank faces increased demand as food insecurity rates continue to rise statewide by NH Business Review for NH Food Bank Staff

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Amid increased costs, federal funding cuts and rising food insecurity rates, the New Hampshire Food Bank, the only food bank in the state and a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, is reigniting its call to action, encouraging Granite Staters to take action to help fight hunger statewide.

According to a new Feeding America study, food insecurity rates are on the rise across the U.S., including right here in New Hampshire. Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and local meal programs, recently released Map the Meal Gap 2025, which reports nearly 150,000 New Hampshire residents experience food insecurity — with more than 36,000 of those being children. The study indicates 10.7% of all New Hampshire residents experience food insecurity — roughly one in nine people. Food insecurity rates for New Hampshire children have also steadily increased, rising to 14.4%.

“At the New Hampshire Food Bank, we believe all Granite Staters should have access to the nourishing foods they need to thrive,” said Elsy Cipriani, executive director, New Hampshire Food Bank. “Whether it is distributing food statewide through our network of more than 420 partner agencies, like food pantries, senior centers, afterschool programs and more, or fighting the root causes of hunger through innovative programs and outreach, the New Hampshire Food Bank is uniquely positioned to make a significant and tangible impact in the lives of our neighbors experiencing hunger throughout the state. With the continued support of residents, volunteers, businesses and more, we can reach our goal of eliminating hunger here in New Hampshire.”

The following statistics reflect New Hampshire food insecurity rates by county, according to the 2025 Feeding America report:

  • Belknap – Overall: 11.4%; Child: 16.4%
  • Carroll – Overall: 11%; Child: 17.5%
  • Cheshire – Overall: 11.7%; Child: 17%
  • Coös – Overall: 14.6%; Child: 22.1%
  • Grafton – Overall: 11.6%; Child: 16%
  • Hillsborough – Overall: 10.5%; Child: 14.3%
  • Merrimack – Overall: 10.7%; Child: 13.9%
  • Rockingham – Overall: 9%; Child: 11%
  • Strafford – Overall: 11.4%; Child: 14.3%
  • Sullivan – Overall: 12.1%; Child: 17.2%

In recent months, the New Hampshire Food Bank has faced uncertain and rising costs, as well as significant funding cuts to its NH Feeding NH program, which supports the purchase of fresh, nutritious produce, protein and dairy directly from New Hampshire farms. Amid this, the New Hampshire Food Bank is experiencing an increase in demand from its agencies, with distribution of food increasing by 13% year-over-year.

To overcome these hurdles, the New Hampshire Food Bank will be raising funds for its NH Feeding NH program during the statewide, online fundraiser, NH Gives, on June 10 and 11. In 2024, more than 1,000 nonprofits participated, and the New Hampshire Food Bank raised more than $24,700 for this program. This year, the New Hampshire Food Bank aims to raise $30,000 during NH Gives to ensure the longevity of this critical program that helps feed our neighbors and supports Granite State farmers.

The New Hampshire Food Bank is also launching its 2025 Summer Meals Challenge, which will provide critical support to New Hampshire families. A generous donor will match every gift up to $100,000.

Residents looking to support the New Hampshire Food Bank can:

Donate: For every $1 donated, 96 cents directly supports New Hampshire Food Bank’s programming.

Volunteer: Visit nhfoodbank.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Host a Food Drive: Host a food drive, or consider donating some of the New Hampshire Food Bank’s “Most Needed Items.”

Participate in Local Events: Participate in upcoming programming and events happening throughout the state.

Categories: Health, News, Nonprofits
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