MANCHESTER – Amid increased costs, federal funding cuts and rising food insecurity rates, the New Hampshire Food Bank, the only food bank in the state and a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, is reigniting its call to action.

According to a new Feeding America study, food insecurity rates are on the rise across the U.S. Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and local meal programs, recently released Map the Meal Gap 2025, which reports nearly 150,000 New Hampshire residents experience food insecurity–with more than 36,000 of those being children. The study indicates 10.7 percent of all New Hampshire residents experience food insecurity–roughly one in nine people. Food insecurity rates for New Hampshire children have also steadily increased, rising to 14.4 percent. In Hillsborough County, the overall food insecurity rate is 10.5 percent and 14.3 percent for children.

“At the New Hampshire Food Bank, we believe all Granite Staters should have access to the nourishing foods they need to thrive,” said Executive Director Elsy Cipriani. “Whether it is distributing food statewide through our network of more than 420 partner agencies, like food pantries, senior centers, after-school programs and more, or fighting the root causes of hunger through innovative programs and outreach, the New Hampshire Food Bank is uniquely positioned to make a significant and tangible impact in the lives of our neighbors experiencing hunger throughout the state. With the continued support of residents, volunteers, businesses and more, we can reach our goal of eliminating hunger here in New Hampshire.”

In recent months, the New Hampshire Food Bank has faced uncertain and rising costs as well as significant funding cuts to its NH Feeding NH program, which supports the purchase of fresh, nutritious produce, protein and dairy directly from New Hampshire farms. The New Hampshire Food Bank is also experiencing an increase in demand from its agencies with distribution of food increasing by 13 percent year over year.

To overcome these obstacles, the New Hampshire Food Bank will be raising funds for its NH Feeding NH program during the statewide online fundraiser, NH Gives, on June 10-11. In 2024, more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations participated and the New Hampshire Food Bank raised more than $24,700 for this program. This year, the New Hampshire Food Bank plans to raise $30,000 during NH Gives to ensure the longevity of this critical program that helps feed our neighbors and supports Granite State farmers.

The New Hampshire Food Bank is also launching its 2025 Summer Meals Challenge, which will provide critical support to New Hampshire families. A generous donor will match every gift up to $100,000.

The New Hampshire Food Bank provides an array of services, including Culinary Job Training, Mobile Food Pantries, a Production Garden, the Nutrition Pantry Program, and SNAP Outreach and Application Assistance, among many others. In 2024, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed more than 17 million pounds of food to its more than 420 partner agencies statewide. In addition to distributing food to all corners of the state, the New Hampshire Food Bank provides an array of programming designed to address the root causes of hunger.