The Merrimack pledges $50K to Friendly Kitchen capital campaign

CONCORD – Merrimack County Saving Bank is a proud supporter of The Friendly Kitchen and its goal to serve all food insecure families in Merrimack County.
To help cover the costs of The Friendly Kitchen’s expansion project, The Merrimack is pledging $50,000 over the next two years toward the Family Friendly Meals Program Campaign.
“Unfortunately, the number of people facing food insecurity is steadily on the rise,” said bank President Linda Lorden. “By supporting this initiative, The Friendly Kitchen is able to prepare and deliver healthy meals to families in need.”
In 2023, The Merrimack financed The Friendly Kitchen’s 1,000 square-foot expansion project to house a new preparation kitchen, additional storage for food refrigeration and office space. During the past two years, the Family Friendly Meals Program distributed more than 60,000 meals and more than 40,000 pounds of food.
“Our goal is to assist seniors and families struggling with food insecurity,” said Valerie Guy, executive director of The Friendly Kitchen. “We’re grateful to The Merrimack and the generosity of the community for helping us extend our reach to ensure no one goes without a meal.”
Since 1980, The Friendly Kitchen has provided meals for the hungry in a warm and caring, non-discriminating environment through the coordination of community volunteers. The only soup kitchen in Concord, The Friendly Kitchen has served more than 750,000 meals and has seen a steady increase in guests each year.