Food Resources
SEACOAST AREA FOOD PANTRIES (As of October 28, 2025)
As a result of the Federal government shutdown New Hampshire is partnering with NH Food Bank to Expand Mobile Pantries for SNAP Recipients; WIC Updates
SNAP: The State of New Hampshire has developed a contingency plan to assist Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by the federal government shutdown in case November’s SNAP food benefits are not issued due to the government shutdown by partnering with the New Hampshire Food Bank to increase SNAP recipients’ access to food through the Food Bank’s mobile food pantry program and traditional food pantries located across the State.
DHHS and the NH Department of Education are also reaching out to families in our school communities to notify them that the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs, which provide free and reduced meals to children each school day, continue to be available for eligible families. For more information on these programs, please visit the National School Lunch Program website.
The pantries that partner with New Hampshire Food Bank were already seeing an uptick in demand this year before the shutdown began, so the latest developments putting even more stress on a situation that is already very stressful due to growing needs and the recently adopted changes to SNAP eligibility requirements. Those who want to support the work can make a donation or explore volunteer opportunities.
WIC: The State has also announced it had secured additional funding to sustain food benefits for the 13,000 people in New Hampshire participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) until at least November 7. However, if the federal shutdown lasts into November, funding will not be available to support four local WIC Agencies including Community Action Partnership Hillsborough & Rockingham Counties, after October 31. While Local WIC Agencies are closed, WIC participants can continue to receive benefits and food balances on the WIC Shopper app or by calling 1-855-279-0680. Anyone with additional questions can call DHHS at 1-800-942-4321.
Resources are available for people experiencing food insecurity, including the City's welfare office and local food pantries -- see list and links below.
For more information about WIC and SNAP, please visit the SNAP and WIC Federal Shutdown Information page.
Gather Food Pantry & Mobile Markets
124 Heritage Ave. Unit 3 (603) 436-0641
Gather has several different options to use for food including their Pantry Market (a welcoming supermarket setting at no cost to you), Mobile Markets (fresh produce and nutritious staple foods in an outdoor farmers’ market setting), the Fresh Foods Bus (a mobile pantry that provides fresh produce, dairy, meats, and dry goods), and the Meals for Kids program (provides healthy meals and snacks when school is not in session.) Click on each link for more information on each of their options. Have questions?
*Please note that residents or employees of NH and ME are welcome to utilize Gather’s programs. If you are a MA resident looking for assistance, please visit Project Bread to learn about all of the resources available in MA.
Pantry Hours: Mon – Th 10AM -5PM; Fri: 10AM-2PM
Operation Blessing Food Pantry
600 A Lafayette Rd (603) 430-8561
Operation Blessing’s Community Food Pantry offers fresh produce and pantry staples, as well as household essentials in a store-like environment.
Shopping hours: Wed, Th, Fri: 10AM – 12PM; 1PM-4PM and Sat: 9AM – 12PM
Salvation Army Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen
272 Rockland St (603) 436-2606 call for appointment
FOOD MAP searchable map by city/town to find NH Food Bank partner agencies, like food pantries, soup kitchens and more
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule (updated monthly)
Welfare Department – City of Portsmouth
1 Junkins Ave (603) 610-7267 or Welfare@portsmouthnh.gov
For those who qualify, food vouchers are available – contact the Welfare Department to complete an intake application.
FREE SERVED MEALS
Seacoast Community Lunch at Middle Street Baptist Church
18 Court St
Seacoast Community Lunch is held every Wednesday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on the lower level of the Middle Street Baptist Church in the heart of Portsmouth.
Common Table at St. John’s Episcopal Church
100 Chapel St (603) 436-8283
The Common Table hosts a community breakfast every Monday from 6:30AM to 8:30AM and lunch every Thursday from 12:00PM to 1PM.
Recovery Church Meal Program at the First United Methodist Church
129 Miller Ave (603) 498-3348
Recovery Church hosts a community dinner every Wednesday from 6PM to 7PM at the First United Methodist Church.
Rockingham Nutrition and Meals on Wheels at the Portsmouth Senior Center
125 Cottage St (603) 766-4448
Rockingham Nutrition serves community luncheons for adults 60 years of age and older Monday – Friday. Call 603-766-4448 for more information and to reserve your meal.
For home delivered meals, call 603-766-4448 for more information.