Area Food Pantry Needs Support

When Diane Giese of The Seacoast Family Food Pantry graciously accepted my request to be interviewed, I jumped at the opportunity to meet with her. 

It is not everyday one gets the chance to interview the Executive Director of the oldest social service agency in New Hampshire.

The Seacoast Family Food Pantry began in 1816 assisting families of  fishermen and operating under the name of The Ladies Humane Society.

Since that time, the agency has had five name changes and five different  missions. One such mission, during World War II, was to operate as a daycare to allow women to participate in the war effort.

In 2007, the name Seacoast Family Food Pantry was adopted and its mission is to help low income individuals and families by providing food, personal care items and nutritional education.

Additional services include "Moving Matters," a walking program and a subsidized Weight Watchers program, all targeted to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

No stranger to hard work and serving the needs of people, Giese's resume
includes 30+ years of owning and operating restaurants in Cambridge and
Belmont, Mass., and working for a "Who's Who?" list of restaurant entrepreneurs in the Granite State.

Her quick, easy smile, genuine laugh and energetic personality
make her perfect for this job!

Since the beginning of the economic meltdown, Giese has witnessed a rapid increase in the need for services and food assistance in the community.

In 2007, The Seacoast Family Food Pantry was helping 40 to 50 families per month. Today that number has grown to 250 to 280 families per month. The days of operation have been expanded from 3 days a week to 5.

Originally serving the Portsmouth community, The Seacoast Family Food Pantry catchment area has grown to include the greater Seacoast towns of
Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, New Castle, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye, Stratham, Seabrook and Kittery, Maine.

Giese's biggest concerns now are the rapidly growing segments of seniors and the working poor, making just enough to keep them from qualifying for public assistance, but devastated by the growing cost of living, housing, utilities and rising gasoline prices.

Receiving no public funding, The Seacoast Family Food Pantry relies on support from grants, charitable gifts, donations and fundraisers. A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, The Seacoast Family Food Pantry
works tirelessly with its 10-person board of directors, executive director and 25-member volunteer force to fulfill its mission.

Historically, the summer season falls short on the donation side for The Seacoast Family Food Pantry, but this is their busiest season for serving families, a time when all the kids are home and no longer receiving school subsidized lunches and snacks.

Your support is crucial at this time to replenish the empty shelves at the food pantry.

If you wish to make a donation, please follow this link. Your contributions are entirely tax-deductible and will help families in need.

John McCarthy

Your Seacoast NH Realtor
Better Homes & Gardens / The Masiello Group 
408 Lafayette Rd, Hampton, NH 03842
603-926-4466 Office
603-601-1110 Direct
603-418-1521 Cell

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