Tackling Food Insecurity in Coos County: The New Hampshire Food Bank's Transformative Warehouse Expansion

Coos County, New Hampshire, has long grappled with the highest food insecurity rates in the state. However, a recent development by the New Hampshire Food Bank aims to address this pressing issue head-on. The organization has established a new warehouse in Berlin, which will significantly improve the distribution of food to the region's pantries and, ultimately, the residents in need.

Empowering Northern Pantries to Serve Their Communities

Increased Accessibility and Frequency of Food Deliveries

The new warehouse in Berlin represents a game-changer for the North Country's food pantries. Previously, these pantries had to rely on monthly deliveries from the Food Bank's Manchester warehouse, which required a two-and-a-half-hour drive each way. This logistical challenge often left shelves sparsely stocked, limiting the ability of pantries to meet the growing demand for assistance. With the Berlin warehouse, pantries can now pick up food on a weekly basis, significantly enhancing their capacity to serve their communities.

Expanded Inventory and Fresher Produce

The Berlin warehouse not only improves the frequency of food deliveries but also expands the range of products available to the region's pantries. The facility boasts ample refrigerator and freezer space, allowing for the storage of up to 20,000 pounds of shelf-stable food. This means that pantries can now offer their clients a wider variety of fresh produce, dairy, and other perishable items that were previously difficult to obtain. Sarah Swift, the director of the Feeding Hope Food Pantry in Berlin, is particularly excited about the prospect of providing her clients with more nutritious, fresh options.

Addressing the Evolving Needs of the Community

The impact of the Berlin warehouse extends beyond just improving the availability of food. It also reflects the changing dynamics of food insecurity in the region. Greg Swift, Sarah's husband and co-director of the Feeding Hope Food Pantry, notes that the pantry is now serving a more diverse clientele, including not just the elderly on fixed incomes but also young families struggling to make ends meet. With high food prices and reduced SNAP benefits, these families are increasingly turning to local pantries for support. The Berlin warehouse's ability to respond to these evolving needs is a testament to the New Hampshire Food Bank's commitment to addressing the root causes of food insecurity in the North Country.

Systemic Change for the North Country

Christy Langlois, who oversees the Food Bank's work in the North Country, believes that the Berlin warehouse can be a transformative solution to the region's high food insecurity rates. By ensuring a more efficient and reliable distribution of food to local pantries, the warehouse can help ensure that no one in the North Country has to worry about where their next meal is coming from. This systemic change, as Langlois describes it, has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of Coos County residents.

A Temporary Solution with Permanent Aspirations

While the Berlin warehouse currently operates on a temporary lease, the New Hampshire Food Bank is committed to finding a permanent home for the facility. This long-term investment in the region underscores the organization's dedication to addressing food insecurity in Coos County and the surrounding areas. The grand opening of the warehouse, accompanied by a public food drive, marks a significant milestone in the Food Bank's efforts to support the North Country community.