Hunger, sometimes used interchangeably with food insecurity, is a real and enduring problem in the Granite State. Recent household survey data show that a staggering 1 in 6 NH households, most of them with children, are food insecure today; meaning they lack regular access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This number is almost 2 ½ times the rate at the beginning of 2020, illustrating how the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly increased food insecurity in our state.
At the same time, partners across the state are working hard to ensure that all people in New Hampshire have access to affordable, reliable, and nutritious food. We’re also coming up with innovative ways to increase access to local food, giving a needed boost to local food producers and businesses.
Collaborations
Food Access Coalition
The NH Food Access Coalition brings together public health and food system professionals to develop and advocate for policy change to ensure food security for all in New Hampshire. We meet monthly to build relationships and strategize about how to use our collective voice to influence policy change. The Food Access Coalition meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 10-11:30am. The Coalition is coordinated by the NH Food Alliance and the NH Public Health Association and supported by the NH Children’s Health Foundation.
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NH Feeding NH
The NH Food Bank, in partnership with the NH Food Alliance, NH Farm Bureau and NOFA-NH, launched NH Feeding NH, a statewide initiative designed to support the purchase of NH grown food to feed our food insecure neighbors with nutritious, locally grown produce throughout NH communities during COVID-19 and beyond.
Partners
Network News about Local Food Access and Food Insecurity
January 10
The seven chapters of the Northeast Organic Farming Association have been working to develop food security programs and learning opportunities through...
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Article via the Keene Sentinel
The Community Kitchen in Keene is overseeing the collective, which consists of the Mechanic Street pantry, as well as: Joan’s Food Pantry in Chesterfi...
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An announcement via Red's Good Vibes
Red’s Good Vibes has announced they will be stationing one of their food trucks on the property at the Tri-City Emergency Warming Center to serve dinn...
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Resources
New Hampshire Food Access Map
UNH Extension Nutrition Connections
Use the map to find locations where free or low cost food is offered, volunteers are needed, and donations are accepted. Knowing how to access this help has proven to be a challenge as opportunities for food assistance, volunteerism, and monetary donations have increased dramatically. UNH Extension worked with the public assistance community to create this online platform that enables organizations to offer their services and share their needs with the public. ACCESS THE MAP
Data & Research
Nutrition Incentives: A Win-Win-Win for Families, Farms, and Communities in NH
Nutrition incentives are a powerful way to increase the amount of healthy foods available to low-income families and individuals in NH, while also providing an economic boost to our local farms and food businesses. By supporting and expanding existing nutrition incentive programs in NH through new policies, funding streams, and collaborative efforts, we can improve health outcomes for vulnerable children and families and strengthen markets for NH grown food.
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Hunger in NH Infographic
Utilize this infographic and its statistics to communicate about food insecurity and hunger in NH.
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