The New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities NH opened a 2,500-square-foot USDA “Clean Room" that will allow the NH Food Bank to produce packaged meals in a controlled manufacturing environment. It is the first phase of a larger project.
When complete, the production facility will allow the NH Food Bank to begin its own food manufacturing business to support its network of more than 400 partner agencies across the state. The facility will generate revenue for the NH Food Bank and critical resources for those in need. The second and third phases will entail construction of two separate manufacturing lines. Once completed, the NH Food Bank would be the first food bank in the Northeast to house its own production facility—and just the second such facility nationally.
“Today marks a big day for the New Hampshire Food Bank as we formally open the first phase of our new production facility,” said Robert Gossett, interim director of the NH Food Bank,t the formal opening of the facility. “When complete, this facility will have a major impact on our statewide efforts to eliminate hunger. We greatly appreciate the generous support we have received from our dedicated donors to make this facility a reality. As we officially kick off Hunger Action Month in New Hampshire, we would urge the businesses and people of New Hampshire to take action to make lasting change in the fight against hunger.”
The opening coincided with Hunger Action Month, which is every September. Hunger Action Month features a series of events, initiatives and competitions designed to raise awareness and funding for those most in need. The need for more resources continues to grow in NH. During 2015, the NH Food Bank distributed more than 12 million pounds of food, which marks an increase of 55-percent over the past four years. This year, because of the growing demand, the NH Food Bank expects to distribute more than 13 million pounds of food.