Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 21, 2026

Contact Information: Micaela Whalen | New Hampshire Food Bank | 603.669.9725 ext. 1246 |  micaela.whalen@nhfoodbank.org

MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Food Bank is expanding its efforts to increase access to nutritious food for Granite Staters experiencing food insecurity through a new $300,000 grant from Feeding America, made possible in part through support from Performance Food Group and Morgan Stanley. The funding will help advance the Food Bank’s mission of fighting hunger in all corners of the state, ensuring that Granite Staters receive the food they need in a way that is welcoming, respectful and responsive to their circumstances.

Through this investment, the New Hampshire Food Bank will significantly advance its strategies by shifting service models to prioritize dignity and choice. The grant enables the Food Bank to better reach populations facing geographic and systemic barriers, ensuring equitable access to fresh, culturally appropriate food.

According to Feeding America’s latest Map the Meal Gap data, food insecurity rates continue to rise across the state, as one in nine people and nearly one in six children experience hunger. The data also reflects an increase in food insecurity in seven of New Hampshire’s 10 counties, with rural communities facing some of the greatest challenges. In Coös County, for example, the child food insecurity rate exceeds 22%, significantly higher than the statewide rate for child food insecurity, 15.5%.

“At the New Hampshire Food Bank, we’re constantly seeking innovative ways to meet our neighbors wherever they are,” said Elsy Cipriani, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Food Bank. “This investment is a catalyst for change. It enables us to build stronger, community-driven partnerships that remove geographic and systemic barriers, ensuring everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.”

In 2025, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed more than 20 million pounds of food to its more than 400 partner agencies statewide. In addition to distributing food to all corners of the state, the New Hampshire Food Bank provides an array of programming designed to address the root causes of hunger, including Culinary Job Training, Mobile Food Pantries, NH Feeding NH, the Nutrition Pantry Program, and SNAP Outreach and Application Assistance, among many others.

Residents looking to support the New Hampshire Food Bank can:

  • Donate: for every $1 donated, 93 cents directly supports New Hampshire Food Bank’s programming
  • Volunteer: visit 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

The New Hampshire Food Bank is among a network of Feeding America partner food banks receiving support this year from Performance Food Group, Morgan Stanley, an anonymous donor, and Feeding America. Together, these organizations are investing in efforts that expand access to food and create more equitable, dignified experiences for individuals and families seeking assistance in communities nationwide.

To learn more about the movement to end hunger in your community, visit www.nhfoodbank.org.

About the New Hampshire Food Bank
The New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, has been working to relieve hunger in the Granite State since 1984. In 2025, as the state’s only food bank, the New Hampshire Food Bank efficiently procured and distributed more than 20 million pounds of food to people experiencing hunger through more than 400 partner agencies. Agencies include food pantries, neighborhood centers, low-income housing sites, senior nutrition centers, family crisis centers, hospices, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after school programs and day care centers. In addition to food distribution, the NH Food Bank leads innovative programming that helps fight the root causes of hunger.

About Feeding America

Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America® unites the country to ensure everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems to drive immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters, acting united with unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.