Nick Carnes, Downtown Manchester Collaborative founder and local entrepreneur, hangs up the poster at Shopper’s Pub + Eatery on 18 Lake Ave in Manchester.
NH Food Bank Strengthens Fundraising Efforts with Support from Downtown Manchester Collaborative
When Benefits Stop, Hunger Doesn’t. A network of more than 140 local business leaders is teaming up with the NH Food Bank amid SNAP uncertainty
Manchester, N.H. – The New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, is continuing to expand its efforts as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) delays persist. In addition to partnering with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to distribute food to SNAP recipients at mobile and designated pantries statewide, the New Hampshire Food Bank is now partnering with the Downtown Manchester Collaborative, a network of more than 140 local business leaders, to help drive donations.
Formed in 2024 to help revitalize downtown Manchester, the network of business leaders are rallying behind the New Hampshire Food Bank to help those facing food insecurity. Each business included in the Collaborative will be displaying posters with a user-friendly QR code directing their patrons to donate on the New Hampshire Food Bank’s website, www.nhfoodbank.org/downtown.
“In times of need, local businesses always answer the call to support our community,” said Nick Carnes, Downtown Manchester Collaborative founder and local entrepreneur. “These posters send a clear message – when the benefits stop, hunger doesn’t. No one should go hungry in Manchester or throughout our state. We’re proud to rally behind the New Hampshire Food Bank and know our customers will as well.”
According to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, about 5.5% of New Hampshire’s population is enrolled in SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, which equates to about 42,000 households or 77,000 individuals. In addition to the impact on SNAP recipients, the government shutdown has left many federal employees in New Hampshire without compensation, further intensifying the need for increased food distribution.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Downtown Manchester Collaborative to help drive donations during this critical time for more than 77,000 residents enrolled in SNAP and who are not receiving benefits,” said Elsy Cipriani, Executive Director, New Hampshire Food Bank. “The Food Bank plays an essential role in the lives of Granite Staters, especially in times of uncertainty. We hope to mirror and build on this partnership in all corners of the state.”
The Downtown Manchester Collaborative launched in March 2024 with a goal to reshape the narrative of Manchester, foster community spirit and drive business to downtown Manchester. The group is non-partisan, completely free to join and offers a chance for business owners to share their vision for a vibrant downtown Manchester. More information can be found at: wheretonextmanchester.com.
The New Hampshire Food Bank provides an array of services, including Culinary Job Training, Mobile Food Pantries, the Nutrition Pantry Program, and SNAP Outreach and Application Assistance, among many others. In 2024, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed more than 17 million pounds of food to its more than 400 partner agencies statewide. In addition to distributing food throughout the Granite State, the New Hampshire Food Bank provides an array of programing designed to address the root causes of hunger.
Individuals and businesses looking to support those in need can donate to www.nhfoodbank.org/downtown.