Anonymous Donor Delivers $100,000 To NH Food Bank

MANCHESTER, NH — The New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, has received a $100,000 matching grant from an anonymous donor, according to a press statement. The donor will match monetary donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 through the end of the year. The donation provides the chance to raise $200,000 and to generate 400,000 meals to support the 10-percent of New Hampshire residents, including 13-percent of children, who are food insecure, meaning they do not know where their next meal is coming from.

The same donor has now donated $375,000 to the New Hampshire Food Bank through the WMUR Spirit of Giving Food Drive during the past four years. For more information, visit nhfoodbank.org/spirit.

The anonymous donor’s support has helped the New Hampshire Food Bank raise $550,000 and generate 1.1 million meals to support efforts to deliver nutritious food to those most in need throughout New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Food Bank, which receives no state or federal funding for food distribution, distributes food to a statewide network of more than 400 partner agencies. During 2016, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed nearly 13 million pounds of food to its partners statewide. This year, due to the growing demand, the New Hampshire Food Bank expects to distribute more than 14 million pounds of food.

“This generous support comes at a critical time for many families and individuals who struggle with food insecurity,” said Eileen Liponis, executive director, New Hampshire Food Bank. “While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, for many people it represents the beginning of an extremely challenging time of year. With rising heating costs, many people will make difficult decisions this winter between paying for food, paying bills and buying warm clothing for their families. We are tremendously grateful for this continued support, which will ease the burden for so many this holiday season.”

Between food donations and financial contributions, last year’s WMUR Spirit of Giving Food Drive generated 1,019,039 meals for people in need across New Hampshire. During the last three years, the WMUR Spirit of Giving Food Drive has generated more than 2,094,887 meals for the New Hampshire Food Bank.

For more information and to donate, visit NHFoodBank.org.

Submitted by Nancy Mellitt. Image via Shutterstock.