We Care Food Pantry Fights Food Insecurity & Fosters Community Fun
Recently, our friend Jen Klopotoski brought We Care Food Pantry to our attention, and we were happy to donate and support their hard work in fighting hunger in our local community! The food pantry has locations in Milton and Plymouth.
With inflation and the rising costs of food and essential items, organizations like We Care Food Pantry are needed more than ever. Reports of New Hampshire food insecurity from just last year show that:
In early 2023, families experiencing insufficient food access increased by over 10%.
By the spring, more than half of NH households with children didn’t have enough to eat.
As of August, nearly 200,000 NH kids lived in households with insufficient food—almost 40,000 more since January.
The situation in Maine is also serious:
About 10% of the state population faces hunger.
That’s 1 in 10 people and 1 in 7 children.
43% of Maine children rely on school meals daily.
And with the high cost of living throughout New England, it’s no surprise so many families struggle to access healthy, nutritious food. That’s why we are passionate about highlighting nonprofits that combat food insecurity right here at home, as they could use your support! When you give to a food pantry like We Care, you help put meals on your neighbors’ tables.
Learn more about the We Care Food Pantry and what they do.
About We Care Food Pantry
We Care Food Pantry currently serves 200 to 225 families a week throughout Strafford County, NH, and Lebanon, ME. The pantry is set up like a grocery store, allowing families to shop for what they want. There are even grocery carts! As Director Betty Eaton says, “I wanted it to be their free grocery store where they do not feel intimidated or embarrassed when they come in.”
And it’s more than a simple food pantry! The We Care team aims to “feed the community physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Meaning we will give food, encouragement, nurture them, and lead them to the resources needed.”
The team of volunteers does this by making popcorn weekly, complete with hot butter, just like tasty movie theater popcorn! During the spring, summer, and fall, they grill hot dogs outside for families to stop by and enjoy. Betty says, “We try very hard to make it a fun, safe, and home-like atmosphere for them. We play the oldies while they shop. We love what we GET to do!”
And of course, it’s all free! Families can come every week. The Milton location is open Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., while Plymouth is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additionally, We Care Food Pantry offers resources like flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics. They’ve even partnered with the UNH Co-operative Extension, which:
Holds cooking classes at the pantry for families
Conducts blood pressure readings
Sends nutrition interns to share tips and techniques for healthy eating
Help Fight Local Food Scarcity
If you’d like to support We Care Food Pantry in their mission to provide food and resources to community members in New Hampshire and Maine, consider donating! You can make an easy online donation today, with options to give one time or make it a recurring gift.
You can also follow them on Facebook to keep up with their latest efforts and find out how and when you can help with food donations. They often share current food drives and specific items needed at the pantry.
Thanks again to Jen Klopotoski for sharing this wonderful nonprofit with us!