Local officials aren’t just hoping to rouse a good turnout of voters on Tuesday — they’re hoping residents, as able, will bring food donations with them to the polls.
With Saturday’s pause on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, local food pantries, shelters and other support organizations have issued a call for extra support.
Concord City councilors are looking to help and will collect donations at most city polling stations during elections on Tuesday. Councilors from Wards 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 have each selected organizations to which they will take donations from their district.
Councilors are especially requesting non-perishables like canned meat, soup, beans and peanut butter.
Local businesses and farms are also mobilizing to provide assistance to those affected by the imminent lapse in SNAP benefits.
Table, a Concord bakery, has created a ‘community care card’ preloaded with funds that regulars and newcomers alike can use when checking out — “No questions asked. No shame,” the business posted on social media earlier this week.
At the Concord Food Co-op, people can drop off food to support the New Hampshire Food Bank throughout November. There’s also a place for donations of household supplies, which will benefit the Friends Program, a local nonprofit.
LaValley Farms in Hooksett is also stepping up to provide some relief. Starting Nov. 3, SNAP recipients and furloughed government employees can receive a free produce box at the LaValley farmstand by presenting either a government ID or an EBT card with a corresponding ID.
The farm plans on providing one full box of produce per person per week.
For those in need of food assistance or those looking to make further contributions, a list of local soup kitchens and food pantries is available on the city’s website.
