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In 2024, We Fed Thousands. This Year, Thousands More Are Counting on Us.

For more than 50 years, the Capital Region Food Program’s Holiday Project has brought nourishment and dignity to thousands of individuals, seniors, and families across Concord and 17 surrounding communities. Through grocery vouchers redeemable at local Market Basket stores, recipients can choose fresh, culturally meaningful foods that meet their unique needs—helping ease the strain of rising food prices, heating costs, and holiday expenses.

With food costs up more than 23% since 2020 and federal aid shrinking, more partners and members in your local community are turning to CRFP for support than ever before. Your donation ensures that no one faces hunger alone this winter. Every dollar helps us provide food vouchers, fill pantry shelves, and strengthen the network of community partners working year-round to reduce food insecurity across the Capital Region.

Donate to Reduce Hunger Across the Capital Region

Local Volunteer Charlie Bristol Honored for 30+ Years of Tackling Food Insecurity in Greater Concord

CONCORD, NH, September 10, 2025 – The Capital Region Food Program (CRFP) is proud to announce the induction of longtime volunteer Charlie Bristol into the Mark E. Manus Honor Society, recognizing over three decades of extraordinary service and commitment to the organization’s mission of reducing hunger in the Greater Concord area.

Established in 1995 by the CRFP Board of Trustees, the Mark E. Manus Honor Society pays tribute to individuals whose exceptional contributions have significantly shaped the organization’s legacy and impact. Inductees are selected through a thoughtful and deliberate process led by a committee of CRFP leaders, including a member of the Manus family.

“Throughout his association with CRFP, Charlie has been a tremendous supporter, ambassador, advocate and champion of our mission, which is combatting hunger and assisting those in our community struggling with food insecurity,” says Maria Manus Painchaud, a member of the nomination committee. “Charlie’s unyielding commitment is evident not only through his longevity, but clearly by his actions and contributions to the well-being of the organization and those we serve.”

Charlie began volunteering with CRFP in the early 1990s for the annual Holiday Food Basket Project. He was quickly recruited to the Board of Trustees, where he served as Secretary for 30 years. Today, he continues to volunteer on the Technology Committee, where he applies his extensive IT expertise to further support the organization’s sustainability and growth efforts.

In his remarks at the induction, he reflected on the transformation of CRFP and the enduring spirit of collaboration that defines it. “Since joining the organization, I have had the honor and privilege to work with many remarkable people that have inspired me,” said Bristol. “Perhaps the most amazing thing has been to watch the organization grow and adapt in the face of an everchanging social and economic climate. Everyone continues to ask how we can better serve our evolving community and create an organization that continues to meet those needs.”

CRFP extends its heartfelt gratitude for his dedicated service and congratulates him on this well-deserved honor. His dedication continues to leave a lasting impact on both the organization and the community.

To learn more about the Capital Region Food Program and its impact on the community, please visit www.capitalregionfoodprogram.org.