Food insecurity is rarely brought up in conversations about social issues, but it’s much more common than people might think. In New Hampshire, almost 200,000 people are facing hunger, and one in nine children don’t know where their next meal is coming from. For those struggling, you are not alone. Here, we have compiled a list of resources in the Greater Derry Area for anyone who may need assistance and for those who wish to help.
Now more than ever, community is so important. Remember to take care of each other and yourselves.
RESOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE BY TOWN
Clicking on the pink text will take you to the corresponding town website or food pantry website, where you can find more information! Please double check with the organizations to make sure their hours and other information are still the same.
If there’s a listing in and around the Greater Derry area that we missed, please let us know! Email us at karynm@macaronikid.com
If you are able to, consider helping out these organizations that do so much good for your community!
AUBURN:
Tower Hill Church hosts a food pantry every Saturday from 7:00AM-8:30AM. Though it’s located in Auburn, it serves the entire county of Rockingham!
CONCORD:
This website has an extensive list of food pantries and soup kitchens located in Concord, as well as their hours and contact information!
DERRY:
The Derry town website has compiled a list of local food resources and their contact information! There, you can look into the free meals network for the Greater Derry Area, apply for food benefits, and get immediate assistance from local organizations in and around Derry.
Additionally, below is a calendar of where and when to get food around Derry this summer!
HAMPSTEAD:
Hampstead's town website has listings of food assistance in and around Hampstead. It lists how to apply for benefits, where to get immediate assistance, and the schedules of the organizations in the area.
LONDONDERRY:
The Londonderry Baptist Church runs a food pantry a half an hour before every service or by appointment.
The St. Jude Parish has a by-appointment food pantry that serves all of Londonderry!
MANCHESTER:
Here is a list of food pantries compiled on the Manchester town website. There are both religious organizations and non-denominational options available, as well as an option exclusively for veterans!
Mobile food pantries, which operate similarly to drive-thrus, are also in the Manchester area! Be sure to regularly check here for updates and schedules.
NASHUA:
Here is a compilation of food pantries, shelters, and other resources all throughout Nashua! It contains contact information, addresses, and specifics about the services available. As always, be sure to check with the organizations to see if there have been any changes!
PELHAM:
St. Patrick Food Pantry is open Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:30 pm and is located at the edge of the back parking lot on the parish campus at 12 Main Street in Pelham. More information, including details about the application process, is available on their website!
New England Pentecostal Ministries’s Minister Jacqueline Creary (603-943-6091) runs a food pantry by appointment for Pelham residents! (If you live in Nashua and this location works for you, you can stop by Monday and Thursday 12PM-2PM.)
PLAISTOW:
Plaitstow’s town website has a food and nutrition page, which includes details about local food pantries (including Holy Angel’s Food Pantry in Plaistow), how to get food stamps, and other important links.
PORTSMOUTH:
Gather has fresh produce available to members once a month, as well as access to cooking materials and personal care items! Not a member? Community Fridays are open to everyone in need of assistance. Check their site for hours and to see how to become a member (if you choose)!
Operation Blessing operates Wednesday through Friday, 10AM-4PM. They have a bunch of different food categories, including fresh produce!
Seacoast Community Church's Food Pantry provides groceries via appointment! Just call and leave a message with your name and phone number and someone will schedule a time for you to pick up your food!
SALEM:
"Food for the Hungry" Food Pantry of the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church is open on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Picking up your food is curbside and contactless!
SANDOWN:
Though there may not be many food pantries in Sandown, the town website still has a page for nearby food assistance! Locations include Nashua, Derry, Salem, and more!
WINDHAM:
Shepherd's Pantry, Inc. operates every Monday from 9:30-11AM. Their website has more details about hours of operation and about how to receive assistance during COVID-19.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND HOW TO HELP
Want to help? Consider donating your time, money, or food. Below is a list of websites that help you get started. You can find local food banks, donate online, volunteer, and more!
- The New Hampshire Food Bank: NH Food Bank
- Food Pantries | Soup Kitchens | Food Banks
- FoodFinder | Find Food Pantries Near You | Quick & Accurate Locator
- Mutual Aid Hub
- Homeless Shelters | Find Homeless Shelters Near You
- The Upper Room, a family resource center in Derry, NH
- Find Shelter | US Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Meals on Wheels America
- Gather
Feeding America is a wonderful resource for those in need and those who want to help. Here are some quick links from their website to get started.
Find a local food bank: Find Your Local Food Bank
Learn about hunger in America: Hunger in America is growing
Learn more about hunger in your community: Hunger in New Hampshire
Help those in your community: Take Action
Did we miss a resource that you think would benefit your community? Let us know! Send us an email at karynm@macaronikid.com
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