Saint Anne Ecumenical Food Pantry is part of the Saint Anne Parish Charitable Outreach ministry whose overall aim is to provide assistance to those in need within our parish vicinity. The purpose of the food pantry is to serve the community in the Name of God with understanding and compassion and to help people retain their dignity during stressful economic times. As of September 1, 2006 those persons residing in the towns of Atkinson, Danville, East Hampstead, Hampstead and Sandown NH as well as those registered as parishioners with Saint Anne Parish, participating sponsoring parishes or specifically referred to the Saint Anne Ecumenical Food Pantry by the pastoral leadership of the faith communities or social service agencies of the above-mentioned towns will be eligible to participate in the Food Pantry. Guests need not have to have any particular religious affiliation. Every effort will be made to direct families from ineligible communities to pantries in their immediate area. Guests are expected to complete an application and meet specified government income guidelines. Once registered at St. Anne’s, guests may not attend other local pantries. Dual registration may jeopardize use of either pantry. Guests may visit the pantry every other week. The pantry is open on Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Guests needing delivery or alternative arrangements should call Jim Carey at 603-969-8000. On Thursday from 9:00 until 11:00 fellowship and coffee is available in the pantry waiting room. Guests are not to arrive before 9:00 since volunteers are busy preparing for the day’s events. Clothing needs may be met by shopping at the Elaine David Thrift Shop located downstairs in the Hampstead Library. The shop is open on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 1:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 to 1:00. Clothes are available at a very reasonable price for all ages. Additional savings may be realized by speaking with pantry volunteers.
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) 329-5886 to book your appointment.
Address :
26 Emerson Ave,
Hampstead, NH 03841.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hampstead
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
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) 329-5886 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
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.