Soule: NH Feeding NH; a Win-Win in the Granite State

A little-known but excellent program that brings food to those in need and supports local farmers is called "NH Feeding NH." In 2022, Catholic Charities' N.H. Food Bank joined forces with the N.H. Farm Bureau, the N.H. Food Alliance, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of N.H. organized "NH Feeding NH," a statewide initiative that provides agencies with funds to purchase local produce, meat, and dairy products.

I know about this program because the First Baptist Church in Belmont, Isaiah 61 Cafe in Belmont, Epsom Food Pantry, and the Friendly Kitchen used these funds to buy meat from Miles Smith Farm.

Here's how it works:

The N.H. Food Bank received funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Combined with grants from other organizations in the state, those funds were divided among eligible N.H. agencies, which were instructed to use the funds to buy food from farms in their area.

"When I first read the NH feeding NH offer, I instantly replied yes," said George Rau, the Community Food Center director in Tamworth. "I have listened to our area small farmers desperately needing the financial support to keep doing what they love: growing fresh and wholesome vegetables for their surrounding community. Helping them financially and giving our clients great fresh vegetables is a win-win for our entire community."

The N.H. Food Bank and the agencies in this fantastic program deserve kudos. Let's continue to support N.H. farmers feeding those in need in the Granite State.

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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells beef, pork, eggs, and other local products. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com. Carole also coaches humans, helping them achieve the impossible a little at a time.