NH Food Bank’s Nutrition Pantry Program (sometimes referred to as “NPP”) combines the best practices of healthy pantry work grounded in trauma-informed principles and processes that promote a client and community-centered distribution. This program, currently in its pilot stage, gives the Food Bank the opportunity to support, educate, and empower our partner agencies as they meet their client’s needs. Through this program, we are able to support our agency network and their clients with an integrative approach to nourish all, regardless of socioeconomic status.

How do we accomplish this?

The NH Food Bank Nutrition Pantry Program works to reinforce the strengths of each pantry by offering technical assistance, resources, idea sharing and connection to the community.  Recognizing that all pantries are different, staff and volunteers at the pantry site work with NH Food Bank implementers to identify site- and client-specific needs in the following six focus areas:

• Cultural & Dietary Accommodations: People of different backgrounds have access to food and information that fits their preferences and health needs.
• Nutrition Education: Clients, volunteers, and staff have access to nutrition and culinary education.
• Environment: Clients are warmly welcomed and healthy options are easy to access.
• Inventory: Food Sourcing & Waste Reduction: Healthy foods are prioritized for distribution. Pantries support a variety of waste reduction efforts.
• Community Connections: Pantries connect and collaborate with the community.
• Policies and Procedures: Policies and procedures are documented and align with a commitment to dignified, healthy distribution.