The University of New Hampshire Extension announced on Apr. 3 that home gardeners in the state can help address food insecurity by growing and donating produce to local food pantries.
This initiative comes as one in every nine residents in New Hampshire is food insecure, including one in every seven children. Food prices have risen about 25% since the pandemic, with nearly two-thirds of those lacking sufficient food citing affordability as the main reason. Demand for emergency assistance has reached record levels, with the New Hampshire Food Bank distributing more than 20 million pounds of food for the first time in 2025, according to NH Food Bank data.
At the same time, federal funding for programs like NH Feeding NH—which provided fresh produce to families—has been cancelled and the NH Food Bank’s production garden closed in 2026. The extension outlines steps for home gardeners to become what it calls ‘Granite State Food Heroes,’ encouraging commitment, direct communication with local pantries, proper harvesting practices, and ongoing engagement with community organizations.
The University of New Hampshire Extension promotes social well-being by supporting healthy communities, thriving youth, strong families and resilient ecosystems according to its official website. It serves as the outreach arm of the university through partnerships at county, state and federal levels according to its official website, engaging roughly 6,000 volunteers annually across a range of programs according to its official website. Specialized facilities such as a soil testing lab are also part of its statewide network according to its official website.
Amy Loader began working for University of New Hampshire Extension in 2001 as an agriculture educator according to its official website. The organization aims to enhance communities through reliable expertise and collaborative strategies while delivering educational initiatives that support public efforts via research-informed approaches across sectors like community growth and environmental stewardship according to its official website.
“Everyone deserves to be well-nourished. No amount is too small to give. Together we can make a difference,” said Loader.
