Holly BerriesHolly Berries

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

2023 Holiday Project

The New Holiday Voucher Program

The Capital Region Food Program (CRFP) will distribute holiday vouchers redeemable at participating Market Basket locations to individuals and families facing food insecurities this holiday season. To reduce food waste and support various dietary requirements, participants now have the opportunity to choose their own food and grocery items that best meet their family’s needs.

How it works: 

  1. Families and individuals  in the Greater Concord area facing food insecurities may apply for a voucher through one of our partner agencies. Learn more about eligibility and the partnering agencies.
  1. Saturday, December 16th – Vouchers will be distributed to all the recipients. Instructions will be provided by the partner agencies. 
  1. Recipients can purchase the food and grocery items they need, when they need it, thru January 31, 2024. 

Those seeking food assistance this holiday season are invited to connect with one of our 38 partner agencies participating in the program this year. Voucher applications are only accepted through these agencies. For more information and a full list of participating agencies, please go to our participant flyer.

Additional information can be found at 2023 Holiday Project FAQ.

Impactful Assistance

CRFP is consistently dedicated to finding the best way to serve the needs of our local communities. Last year’s inaugural Holiday Voucher Program proved to create a flexible, customizable, and sustainable food support program with even greater impact. 

  • Over 1,600 vouchers were distributed in 2022, a 28% increase from the number of holiday baskets distributed in 2021. 
  • 45% of the vouchers were used in January after the holidays. The extended time frame allows recipients to supplement holiday donations from other sources and purchase food when it is needed most. 
  • Significant reduction in food waste. Families and individuals were empowered to purchase food options that accommodated dietary, medical and cultural needs.

“Participating families will now be able to customize their food selections to not only accommodate various dietary restrictions but also to accommodate their cultures and holiday traditions that are important this time of year. The voucher program helps ensure clients receive the right food they need.”

Karen Emis-Williams, Director, Concord Human Services, City of Concord

Get involved

These efforts are only made possible through the tremendous contributions from hundreds of community members. As an all volunteer organization with 100% of every dollar raised going to the purchase of food, your support is what will help us continue the Holiday Project for another 50+ years!

Your generous $50 donation to celebrate our 50th Holiday Project will enable us to tackle the surge in demand caused by this year’s elevated food costs. Donate today!