NH Food Bank’s Response to Federal Food Assistance Changes

The recent changes to federal food assistance funding will impact the reported 1 in 10 NH residents, including 1 in 7 children, who are experiencing food insecurity in NH and will present challenges for the New Hampshire Food Bank.

These changes to federal funding further emphasize something we already know– just how vitally important our donors and community partners are to the work we do throughout the entire state. We are grateful for your patience and understanding as we navigate this changing landscape, and we are thankful for your support as we continue our work to ensure that all Granite Staters have access to the food and resources they need to thrive with the ultimate goal of eradicating hunger in NH.

Please see below for current updates from the New Hampshire Food Bank as they relate to specific New Hampshire Food Bank programs and other funding-related impacts. Please note: this page will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.

Impacts and Updates

NH Feeding NH Program Impacts - Updated March 25, 2025

The New Hampshire Food Bank was notified of the cancellation of USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) funding in March 2025. The New Hampshire Food Bank has received USDA LFPA funding through the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Foods, in support of our NH Feeding NH program since 2022. The LFPA25 extension would have provided the NH Food Bank with nearly $1 million in funding for our NH Feeding NH program through 2028.

While this federal funding is not the sole source of funding used to support our NH Feeding NH program, it has been a driving factor in our ability to grow this critical program – improving access to fresh, local foods for our neighbors experiencing hunger throughout the state, while simultaneously supporting NH’s local farmers and food producers.

During the 2024/2025 season, 308 of our partner agencies benefited from this program in some way, whether through agency purchasing, our culturally preferred produce program, forward contracting and/or bulk purchasing from NH farms. Last season, more than 655,000 pounds of food was purchased from 184 farms throughout the state, infusing more than $725,000 into NH’s economy.

The cuts to this funding will significantly impact this program. However, with the generous support of donors, NH Feeding NH will continue to run this year on a slightly smaller scale – relying on program-specific donations once existing federal funds are exhausted in May.

Tariff Impacts - Updated April 21, 2025

NH Food Bank utilizes a number of wholesale vendors, both domestic and otherwise, to purchase food for distribution.

The NH Food Bank has been advised by multiple distributors of price increases on import-dependent items like tuna, coffee and canned fruit.

Additionally, as the impact of tariffs on material goods (like aluminum) take effect, we also expect to see increased pricing on domestic canned goods.

As of April 2, 2025, U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)-compliant goods will remain tariff-free. The produce purchased by the NH Food Bank through our Canada-based distributor remains USMCA-compliant so prices are currently unaffected.

NH Food Bank anticipates an increase in food insecurity here in New Hampshire and with that an increase in our need to purchase food. In 2024, the NH Food Bank purchased approximately 30% more food than it had the year prior.

How You Can Make a Difference Here In NH

As we noted earlier, these changes to federal funding further highlight something we already know – just how critically important our donors and community partners are to the work we do throughout the entire Granite State.

As nonprofit 501(c)(3), the NH Food Bank relies on support through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations in addition to some state contracts and federal funding. As we navigate this changing landscape, your support is more critical than ever. Here a just a few ways you can support the work of the NH Food Bank:

If you’d prefer to give over the phone, please call: 603-669-9725

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the NH Food Bank get its funding?

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the NH Food Bank relies on support through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations in addition to some state contracts and federal funding. Our 2023 Report to the Community is available for viewing here: https://nhfoodbank.org/in-the-know/report-to-the-community/

Are there any other changes?

Continue to check this page for updates.

I’m a member of the media looking for comment. Who should I reach out to?

Please contact Nancy Mellitt, Director of Development at nmellitt@nhfoodbank.org or 603-669-9725 ext. 1129.

Where can I learn more about hunger in NH?

Visit: https://nhfoodbank.org/hunger-in-nh/

Impacts and Updates

NH Feeding NH Program Impacts - Updated March 25, 2025

Tariff Impacts - Updated April 21, 2025

How You Can Make a Difference Here In NH

Frequently Asked Questions

More NH Food Bank News

Elsy Cipriani Named Executive Director of the NH Food Bank

Local Events and Food Drives

WMUR’s Spirit of Giving Food Drive: December 13 -15