New community pantries will take bite out of hunger

Manchester, N.H. -- Hundreds of local children served by The Granite YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester will now be able to access special food pantries at each organization, thanks to a donation of $44,000 in food from Hannaford Supermarkets. The donation, being made through the company's Hannaford Helps charitable program, will serve as the foundation for food pantries operated by each organization.

 “In New Hampshire, one in nine people struggle with hunger,” said John Fifield, Hannaford's Director of Operations for the Manchester region.  “The need is particularly acute for many families in the inner city, and that’s why we’re are pleased to work with The Granite YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester to address this pressing issue.”

 

The collaboration announced by the three organizations today will provide fully stocked food pantries at the YMCA of Downtown Manchester and The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.  Each Friday, teens in the program will be able to take home a bag of food for the weekend, including recipes and preparation tips to prepare full meals.  Hannaford’s donation of non-perishable food items will keep the pantries stocked throughout the year. 

 

“These food pantries will provide any teen in our programs who needs food to have access without any stigma,” said Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.  “The pantries will be managed by our teens providing engaging leadership opportunities which is another great benefit.”
 
Fitzpatrick shared that the program, which formally kicks off today, will service about 300 youth between the two organizations.

 

“As many families rely upon the school lunch program during the week, this program fills a particular need on the weekends,” added Hal Jordan, President and CEO of The Granite YMCA.

 

“We’re thrilled to be part of this collaboration,” Fitzpatrick noted.  “This initiative with Hannaford and The Granite YMCA is yet another way to deepen the impact of the kids we serve in the City of Manchester.” 

 

To help launch the pantries, Hannaford donated 21 pallets of food to the two organizations – staple items like tuna, vegetables, peanut butter, beef stew, rice and cereal. On Friday, company associates also worked with the charities' staff to fill bags with food that will be sent home with area children at risk of going hungry. 

 

Earlier this year, The Granite YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester collaborated on the nationally recognized “Power Scholars” program aimed at mitigating summer learning loss for children in need.

 

“When you partner with a like-minded organization, we truly can make a meaningful difference and that’s what make this effort so exciting,” Jordan said.  “We also give our heart-felt thanks to our friends at Hannaford who have been long-time supporters.”

 

About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, Maine, operates 179 stores in the Northeast, including 36 in New Hampshire. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Hannaford employs more than 26,000 associates. Additional information can be found at www.hannaford.com.