Gather, a Seacoast-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger, is calling on local businesses and residents to support hunger relief efforts year-round, not just during the holiday season.
While the Seacoast community has always been generous, Gather emphasizes that food insecurity is a year-round issue. Most food drives traditionally take place during the November–December holiday period, but the need for support remains constant throughout the year.
Advocates say that community donations are critical because they often fill gaps that supplier purchases can’t, and food drives help organizations like Gather respond quickly to emerging needs with flexibility.
Although Gather’s main pantry is located in Portsmouth, its reach extends across the region through Mobile Markets held 30–40 times each month in cities and towns including Somersworth, Dover, Rochester, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Seabrook, and Farmington.
Local businesses can play a key role by sponsoring food drives, collecting monetary donations, promoting Gather’s mission, or adopting a specific month to support efforts outside the holiday season.
The needs list for Spring 2025 includes:
- Baked Beans
- Canned Fruit
- Condiments
- Cooking Oil
- Evaporated Milk
- Canned Pasta
- Healthy Snacks/Kids Snacks
- Juice Boxes
- Hand Soap & Dish Soap
- Tissues
- Laundry Detergent
- Baby Food
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Reusable Shopping Bags
Visit www.gathernh.org to learn more about Gather and how to make a contribution.