Mobile Food Pantry Locations for SNAP Recipients Start November 5

CONCORD, NH - Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte announced mobile food pantries for SNAP recipients impacted by the federal government shutdown will be available starting Wednesday, November 5. Governor Ayotte also encouraged Granite Staters to help their neighbors in need by making a donation to the New Hampshire Food Bank.

"In New Hampshire, we step up to help our neighbors, and I am grateful to the New Hampshire Food Bank, the Legislature, and the Executive Council for working with us to assist those impacted by the shutdown," said Governor Ayotte. "I urge Granite Staters who are able to make a donation to the Food Bank to support families in need of our help."

The Governor continued, "SNAP and other critical programs should be funded because the federal government should be open. Politicians in Washington need to get their act together and end this shutdown."

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will partner with the New Hampshire Food Bank to operate mobile food pantries and food box pick-up sites across the state. The list of mobile pantries and box pick-up sites can be found on the DHHS website. Pantry and pick-up locations are subject to change, and the list will be updated on Monday of each week for the next five weeks. DHHS and the Food Bank will assess demand weekly and make location decisions to target areas of greatest need.

"Our longstanding partnership with the New Hampshire Food Bank has made it possible for us to respond quickly and thoughtfully to the needs of individuals and families across the state who participate in the SNAP program," said DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver. "Access to nutritious food is a cornerstone of strong, healthy communities, and we are grateful to the New Hampshire Food Bank for their dedication to addressing food insecurity across New Hampshire."

The additional mobile food pantries and pick-up locations are for SNAP recipients only. Individuals must verify that they participate in the SNAP program by showing their EBT card or a notice from DHHS confirming their SNAP participation. For elderly clients or clients with disabilities that need assistance getting to the grocery store, DHHS, the New Hampshire Food Bank, and partner organizations will work to assist these individuals. For information on food assistance for non-SNAP recipients, please visit the New Hampshire Food Bank website or call 2-1-1.

While funding for November SNAP benefits is delayed due to the shutdown, EBT cards can still be used to access benefits issued in previous months. People receiving SNAP can check their EBT card balances by visiting https://www.ebtedge.com or calling 1-888-997-9777.

Infant formula and nutritious foods for participating pregnant women and young children are still available through WIC.

The most up-to-date information on DHHS contingency plan operations for SNAP recipients can be found at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/federalshutdown. Anyone with additional questions can call DHHS at 1-844-ASK-DHHS (275-3447).

To donate to the New Hampshire Food Bank, visit nhfoodbank.org/get-involved/donate/.