NASHUA – Since their launch on April 7, 2020, the collaborative Pop-Up Pantries, organized by the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter and the United Way of Greater Nashua, have served 40,072 clients, underscoring their vital role in addressing food insecurity in the region.

Recent data indicates that food insecurity has been on the rise in New Hampshire. During the 2021-2023 period, approximately 7.4 percent of households in the state experienced food insecurity, an increase from 6.2 percent in the 2020-2022 period.

This trend highlights the ongoing need for accessible food resources in our communities.

The Pop-Up Pantries operate at various locations throughout Nashua every weekday, ensuring that residents have convenient access to essential food items. Dedicated volunteers, many of whom have been with the program since its inception, work tirelessly to distribute groceries sourced from the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter and the Regenerative Roots Association, a nonprofit organization in Nashua, dedicated to building resilient communities through sustainable food practices. The consistent demand for fresh produce and meats reflects the community’s appreciation for nutritious offerings.

In addition to the Pop-Up Pantries, several local organizations, including Tolles Street Mission, Corpus Christi Food Pantry, the Southern New Hampshire Rescue Mission, the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, and the Salvation Army, continue to provide essential support to residents facing food insecurity. The United Way coordinates weekly food drives to bolster these efforts and welcomes volunteers to participate in collection initiatives.

As warmer weather approaches, the United Way’s volunteers will move outside, distributing food at five outdoor locations around downtown Nashua from 11 a.m. to noon from April 14 through Oct. 31.

For those interested in volunteering or making donations, please visit United Way’s website or contact United Way at info@unitedwaynashua.org or 603-882-4011. Nonperishable food donations are accepted at the United Way office, 20 Broad St. on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

This spring, the Pop-Up Pantries can be found on the following days and locations:

-Mondays: Harbor Care, 45 High St.

-Tuesdays: Sullivan Terrace, 56 Tyler St.

-Wednesdays: Lamprey Health Care, 22 Prospect St.

-Thursdays: River Pines Mobile Home Park, 34 Birch Ridge Trail

-Fridays: Crossway Christian Church, 33 Pine St.

For more information about this project contact United Way at info@unitedwaynashua.org or 603-882-4011.