Gather reports record demand for food in Seacoast, southern NH

Special to Seacoastonline
·2 min read

PORTSMOUTH — Gather, a nonprofit organization that provides free food to residents in 59 communities in southern New Hampshire, reports January was the busiest month in its 200-plus-year history.

According to Gather Executive Director Anne Hayes, 2023 as a whole saw a notable surge in the number of people seeking food assistance from the nonprofit. Hayes says individuals served by Gather’s Pantry Market and Mobile Markets increased by 43% while food donations declined by 29% vs. just two years ago.

Gather, the nonprofit organization that works to eradicate hunger on the Seacoast, says a record number of residents are visiting its mobile food markets and food pantry.
Gather, the nonprofit organization that works to eradicate hunger on the Seacoast, says a record number of residents are visiting its mobile food markets and food pantry.

“While the economy is doing well for many, there are a significant number of people who are struggling with the high price of groceries, housing, and fuel," Hayes said. "To run all our programs, we need 40-50 volunteers a day preparing to-go meals, stocking our Portsmouth pantry, and distributing food across the Seacoast through our free mobile markets. With food donations down, we are asking the community to remember our neighbors in need and to get involved!”

New statewide data from New Hampshire Hunger Solutions shows 44% of adults and 52% of children in the state live in households facing chronic food shortages.

Gather receiving NH Center for Nonprofits award

The New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits announced it has chosen Gather to receive the 2024 Nonprofit Impact Award.

Kathleen Reardon, CEO of New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, said, “The Nonprofit Impact Awards recognize organizations whose exemplary leadership, vision, and commitment is contributing to the vitality of our state. Gather has shown itself as a leader in envisioning a hunger-free community and in marshaling the efforts across the region to successfully reduce food insecurity. We hope this award will bring even broader awareness of this important issue and Gather’s work.”

Hayes said, “This award could not be more timely as it helps us spotlight the urgent need. Last year we served over 100,000 individuals, despite the fact that food donations were down significantly. We rely on monetary donations to purchase food to make up the difference. In fact, ninety cents of every dollar donation to Gather goes directly to distributing food to our neighbors. We could not be more appreciative of this award and we welcome the support of the public in helping us address this issue.”

The Nonprofit Impact Celebration will be held on April 16 at the Bank of NH Stage in Concord at 4:30 p.m. Register at NHNonprofits.org

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Gather reports record demand for food in Seacoast