Bedford Knights Of Columbus Donates Nearly $14K To NH Food Bank

BEDFORD, NH — The Bedford Knights of Columbus and members of the St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Bedford donated nearly $14,000 to the New Hampshire Food Bank during the annual Turkey Drive. The drive included contributions from the parish community, several other organizations and businesses to the Catholic Charities New Hampshire program.

"The Knights of Columbus and St. Elizabeth Seton parish in Bedford are very pleased that we were once again able to provide this donation to the New Hampshire Food Bank," said Jonathan Fiore, grand knight of Council 12988. "I am extremely proud of the council members and parishioners who donated to this worthy cause."

The Bedford Knights of Columbus started donating turkeys to the NH Food Bank more than 10 years ago and has since raised more than $112,500 — including this year's donation of $13,900. The NH Food Bank said Monsignor John Quinn, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton and chaplain of the Bedford Knights of Columbus, was instrumental in the initial launch of the New Hampshire Food Bank and continues to be a tireless supporter.

"The New Hampshire Food Bank is extremely thankful to the Knights of Columbus Council 12988, St. Elizabeth Seton and Msgr. Quinn, the Bedford Rotary and others for their continued generosity and support," said Eileen Groll Liponis, executive director of the NH Food Bank. "Approximately one in nine people in New Hampshire, including 12-percent of children, don’t know where their next meal will come from. Partnerships like this are critical in helping us feed people in need."

During 2018, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed more than 14 million pounds of food to its more than 425 partner agencies statewide. This year, because of the growing demand, the New Hampshire Food Bank expects to continue increasing food distribution.

"We are very pleased that the parish and our parishioners were able to reach out to the New Hampshire Food Bank through the Knights of Columbus to help this worthy cause in their mission to address the issue of hunger in our communities," added Msgr. Quinn.

For more information and to donate, visit www.nhfoodbank.org.