The Food Pantry of Pelham at St. Patricks Parish is a nonprofit charitable organization comprised of a network of partners who are committed to ending food insecurity for those who live, worship and work in the Pelham Community. The Food Pantry is open Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 and Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 and is located at the edge of the back parking lot on the parish campus at 12 Main Street in Pelham. The Food Pantry provides service to people who live in Pelham or are otherwise associated with the town through work or worship. Supported by strong community and parish networks, the Food Pantry provides basic, nonperishable food items, bread, meat, and dairy products on a weekly basis. Personal care items, household supplies and special items are available on a rotating basis according to inventory. The program is overseen by St. Patricks Parish operating under the 501(c) 3 classification of the Diocese of Manchester. The Food Pantry has a 5 member governance team, is staffed by approximately forty volunteers and is protected by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. Donations of food, supplies and money from individuals, families and organizations are received on an on-going basis. Local drives and events during the year help restock many of the Pantry’s supplies. In addition to the food and supplies received through donations, money received is used to purchase meat and dairy products and to supplement high demand items that are packaged for weekly distribution. The Food Pantry is also a member agency of the New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of NH Catholic Charities, which enables us to pick up food at no cost or for a nominal fee. If you are a Pelham resident in need of assistance please stop by on Tuesday evenings 6:30-7:30 or Wednesday afternoons 1:00-3:00 p.m. to fill out an application. A valid ID or other proof of residence is required for all household members recorded on the application and those listed must reside in Pelham on a full-time basis. A non-resident may be eligible if current Pelham employment or church attendance can be verified. Upon approval of the application, clients may visit weekly and must adhere to Food Pantry guidelines.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (603) 635-7592 to book your appointment.
Address :
12 Main St,
Pelham, NH 03076.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Pelham
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hillsborough
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (603) 635-7592 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
Food Pantry in Near By City
Food Pantry in Near By County
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.