NASHUA – The United Way of Greater Nashua is urgently calling on residents to step forward and volunteer for the annual Kevin Slattery Memorial Food Drive on May 30-31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Held in honor of longtime United Way Board Member Kevin Slattery, this annual event mobilizes volunteers across the region to collect food for local pantries. This year, the need is more critical than ever.

Recent changes to federal food assistance programs, including stricter eligibility rules for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and expanded work requirements, are expected to cause tens of thousands of New Hampshire residents to lose some or all of their benefits, placing new strain on already stretched food pantries.

At the same time, while inflation has stabilized somewhat, food prices remain significantly higher than they were just a few years ago–nearly 25 percent higher than 2020 levels, continuing to pressure household budgets.

The result: more families are turning to local food support. In New Hampshire, 31 percent of adults and 39 percent of children live in households reporting insufficient food, highlighting the growing urgency of community-based solutions.

“This year, we’re seeing a perfect storm,” said Michael Apfelberg, president of the United Way of Greater Nashua. “With cuts to SNAP and the continued high cost of groceries, more people are struggling and local pantries are being asked to do more than ever before. We need the community to step up.”

Volunteers are stationed outside participating grocery stores, where they set up tables, hand out suggested donation lists, and encourage shoppers to pick up a few extra nonperishable items to donate while they shop. Each shift is just three hours long, but the impact is significant.

This year’s drive will take place at approximately 15 grocery stores each day across Nashua, Hudson, Merrimack, Milford and Wilton.

The United Way is seeking at least 100 volunteers to fill shifts over the two days. Volunteers are welcome as individuals or as part of groups, including families, students, businesses, and faith communities.

Donations of nonperishable food and essentials are especially needed, including canned soup and vegetables. pasta and sauce. rice and beans, peanut butter, crackers, coffee and hygiene items such as shampoo and toothpaste.

All food collected will support local neighborhood food pantries and the United Way’s daily Pop-Up Pantries, which together serve thousands of individuals and families across Greater Nashua each month.

Volunteer spots are still available but filling quickly. Sign up online at unitedwaynashua.org/event/ks-food-drive/.

“This is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Apfelberg. “Kevin Slattery believed deeply in taking action to support people in need. Right now, our community needs that spirit more than ever.”