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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

Author: Jennifer Carleton

CRFP Expands Year Round Distribution Project Through 2 New Partnerships Combating Food Insecurity

By: Jennifer Carleton, Chair, CRFP Board of Trustees

Food insecurity affects thousands of individuals and families across New Hampshire and the greater Concord area every day.

It can reach anyone facing some of life’s greatest challenges and toughest situations. From unexpected medical diagnoses to resettling in a new country, many people face challenges that make access to nutritious food difficult.

Capital Region Food Program (CRFP) is committed to meeting these needs. Through our Year Round Distribution Project, we proudly expand our support efforts by partnering with Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care and Overcomers Refugee Services of New Hampshire.

Supporting Cancer Patients Through Nutrition

Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care, an accredited Comprehensive Community Cancer Center, is committed to delivering high-quality cancer diagnosis and treatment. As part of its commitment to best-in-class care, the center is launching its own food pantry to support patients experiencing food insecurity during treatment.

“Nutrition is a critical component in supporting cancer patients throughout their treatment journey,” said Tamara Wrenn, Director of the Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care.

“Through our partnership with the Capital Region Food Program, we hope to support many of our patients who are actively undergoing treatment and struggling to make ends meet amid the rising cost of food on a limited income.”

Helping New Americas Build New Roots

Overcomers Refugee Services of New Hampshire supports refugees and immigrants throughout the area by providing education, resources, and guidance toward self-sufficiency.

We have long valued our partnership with Overcomers through our annual Holiday Project, and we are proud to expand the relationship through our Year Round Distribution Project. This collaboration strengthens their ability to operate a formalized food pantry and helps New Americans establish stable, healthy lives in our community.

Creating Sustainable Impact to Reduce Hunger

At CRFP, we strive to reduce hunger in a meaningful and sustainable way. These efforts are made possible through the strong coordination, collaboration, and cooperation with community organizations directly serving families facing food insecurity.

By working together with volunteers, donors, and community partners, CRFP has distributed 8.5 tons of food, totaling over $28,000, to 24 different local community service agencies throughout the first quarter of 2026.

Thank you to everyone contributing to these efforts. Together, we are making a difference. Help us keep this work going. Your donation today will help ensure everyone across the Capital Region has access to the food they need

Learn how you can make a lasting impact by supporting our mission.

From the Board Chair: Meeting Rising Need with Renewed Commitment

By Jennifer L. Carleton, Board Chair

As we enter this holiday season, the realities of food insecurity in New Hampshire are becoming more urgent. Every day, more families are being forced to make impossible choices between groceries, heating, and other essentials.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025, has dramatically increased our state’s share of SNAP funding. According to estimates from the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality, New Hampshire’s cost share will rise by 120%, from roughly $11 million to more than $24 million. As the legislature works to balance the state budget, this significant cut of aid from the Federal government leaves few good options. The outcome could mean reduced enrollment or stricter eligibility, leaving even more families without the food assistance they rely on—just as grocery prices and household costs continue to climb.

During the pandemic, when need surged overnight, the Capital Region Food Program (CRFP) stepped up to ensure no one faced hunger alone. And we are prepared to do it again. Across our communities, partners are already reporting more seniors, individuals, and families seeking help. This is a moment for CRFP, our partners, and our donors to come together, just as we have for more than fifty years.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to believe in our mission. If you too want to make a difference for neighbors across 17+ communities in the Capital Region, we invite you to join us by making a donation.

Let’s make sure that every family has access to nutritious food and hope in homes this upcoming holiday season.

Thank you for standing with us.