Food insecurity is a lasting issue in our communities, even if we can’t always see it. In New Hampshire alone, one in ten people faces hunger daily, and a staggering one in seven children don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. Government assistance alone can’t provide for these families: it takes a village. If you need the support of your village, you are not alone. In this guide, we have gathered a list of pantries, food banks, and other forms of assistance for anyone experiencing food insecurity in Greater Derry. We also encourage anyone who wants to donate their time, money, or food to these amazing organizations to check out the organizations we’ll discuss.
The information compiled here is accurate as of the time this article was released, but changes in operation time and availability may have occurred since then. As always, we encourage you to double-check with the organizations themselves to make sure the information listed is still the same.
AUBURN:
Tower Hill Church hosts a food pantry for the entirety of Rockingham County every Saturday from 7:00 AM-8:30 AM.
CANDIA:
Candia Food Pantry stocks food items for Candia residents in need of assistance. You can download their printable grocery list to view items that they usually have in stock. If you bring your grocery list to them, they’ll do their best to fill your order.
CHESTER:
Chester Congregational Baptist Church serves residents of Auburn and Chester. They offer regular pantry services as well as holiday food baskets. Make sure you bring ID for proof of residency.
DERRY:
Elijah’s Table is a joint effort by the Church of Transfiguration and Etz Hayim Synagogue to provide free meals to families in Derry. On the second Sunday of every month, the Church or Transfiguration hosts dinner, and on the third Sunday of every month, the Etz Hayim Synagogue hosts its dinner.
The First Baptist Food Pantry welcomes anyone from Derry and the surrounding areas to visit the pantry two times per month. You do not have to be a member of the First Baptist Church to receive assistance, but you will need to bring ID for proof of residency.
First Parish Congregational Church offers a free spaghetti dinner to those in need on the last Friday of every month.
Sonshine Soup Kitchen aims to provide a free, hot meal to anyone in need. They also offer other limited services, such as a clothing ministry.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church provides a by-appointment food pantry. Be sure to call by Tuesday to be put on the pickup list. They also host a community cafe on the third Saturday of every month. Meals are served to go.
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Food Pantry serves all of Rockingham County. Make sure you bring ID or an alternate proof of residency.
The Upper Room is a non-profit family resource center located in Derry, but they will serve anyone who comes through their doors, regardless of residency. Patrons are allowed to access the pantry twice per calendar month.
HAMPSTEAD:
Saint Anne’s Ecumenical Food Pantry serves persons residing in the towns of Atkinson, Danville, East Hampstead, Hampstead, and Sandown, NH. You do not need any particular religious affiliation to receive help, but you will need to complete an application and meet specified government income guidelines.
LONDONDERRY:
The Londonderry Baptist Church runs a food pantry half an hour before every service or by appointment.
The St. Jude Parish has a by-appointment food pantry that serves all of Londonderry! They also serve a free community lunch on the last Sunday of each month.
End 68 Hours of Hunger combats childhood food insecurity by putting meals directly in the hands of school-aged children. Food bags are given to children to take home over the weekend.
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. The Food Pantry provides service to people who live in Pelham or are otherwise associated with the town through work or worship.
New England Pentecostal Ministries 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 from 12 PM-2 PM.)
For those looking to donate: Consider contributing to the Pelham Good Neighbors Fund. This organization works with local agencies to provide food and financial assistance to the community.
PLAISTOW:
Holy Angel’s Food Pantry serves residents of Plaistow and the surrounding areas. Call them directly for more information about the services they provide and how to receive assistance.
SALEM:
Bread of Life Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM and Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
"Food for the Hungry" Food Pantry is open on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Picking up your food is curbside and contactless!
Saints Mary and Joesph Parish Food Pantry is operated out of the St. Joseph Campus. Make sure to call by 5:00 PM on Thursdays if you want to pick up food on Friday.
Salem Outreach Office Food Pantry is one of three food pantries operated by Rockingham County. Make sure to call the pantry before visiting as it may require an appointment. Likewise, check the eligibility requirements to make sure of which services you can receive from them.
We Care Charity Food Pantry provides food to empower children, individuals, and families in crisis in New England and beyond. You do not need to be a Salem resident to receive assistance from this organization.
WINDHAM:
Shepherd's Pantry, Inc. serves about 100 families every week, providing each with one or two bags of groceries plus meat, bread, eggs, some personal/health items, and seasonal vegetables.
If you want to help those in need, consider donating your time, money, or food. Different organizations have different needs, so make sure to check with each one directly to see how you can help combat hunger in New Hampshire. Here’s a list of organizations to get you started.
- 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 |Take Action
If you want to learn more about hunger in America and your community, explore Feeding America. This is a wonderful resource both 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
If you want to learn even more about what's available in your communities and what to expect if you move into this area, contact Compass Real Estate.
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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