The New Hampshire Food Bank is the only food bank in the state, not one of several or the largest of a few, but the single source behind the state's emergency food network. It has operated as a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire since 1984 and is a Feeding America member, distributing food statewide through partner pantries, shelters, and meal programs from its Manchester base. Elsy Cipriani became Executive Director in 2025, succeeding Eileen Liponis, who led the organization from 2017.
The New Hampshire Food Bank sources food at scale and distributes it statewide through partner agencies, plus its own programs. As the only food bank in the state, every pantry, shelter, and meal program in New Hampshire that draws on a food bank draws on this one. It runs nutrition and cooking programs and a production garden in addition to standard distribution, reflecting a focus on healthy food and self-sufficiency.
Elsy Cipriani became Executive Director in 2025, succeeding Eileen Liponis, who led the food bank from 2017. The organization operates as a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, an arrangement in place since its 1984 founding, which gives it the backing of the state’s largest charitable network.
The New Hampshire Food Bank serves the entire state, from the Manchester and Nashua population centers to the rural North Country. New Hampshire’s relatively high incomes mask real pockets of need, especially among older residents and rural households facing high housing and heating costs, and the food bank reaches all of it through its statewide network.
Yes. The New Hampshire Food Bank is part of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, a registered 501(c)(3), and is a Feeding America member. Donors can review the parent organization’s financials through Charity Navigator and GuideStar. Bulk buying and donated food mean a gift produces many meals.
Donations and volunteer shifts run through nhfoodbank.org. Volunteers sort and pack food, help in the production garden, and staff distributions, and cash gifts go furthest because of the food bank’s purchasing power.
The New Hampshire Food Bank is the only food bank in the state, so it has no in-state peer on hunger relief. It works alongside the Salvation Army and other groups on the broader safety net. For anyone in New Hampshire, it is the lead food bank to support.
Pantries, shelters, and meal programs statewide receive food.
An on-site garden growing fresh produce for distribution.
Programs teaching food skills and healthy eating.
Targeted support for the most vulnerable groups.
Sources: New Hampshire Food Bank website (nhfoodbank.org), Catholic Charities New Hampshire, and Business NH Magazine and Manchester Ink Link reporting on the appointment of Elsy Cipriani. We are not affiliated with New Hampshire Food Bank and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
More New Hampshire and food-bank resources