Rochester partners with food outlets to help those losing their SNAP benefits

With federal SNAP food benefits currently delayed and unavailable for immediate distribution following the recent government shutdown, and with ongoing uncertainty surrounding the timing of payments due to recent court orders, the City of Rochester is taking action to help residents experiencing gaps in food assistance.

The City has strengthened its collaboration with the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County in Dover and the Share Fund Food Pantry in Rochester to ensure residents continue to have access to essential food supports during this period of interruption, according to city officials.

The plan, proposed by Todd Marsh, Director of Rochester City Welfare, and approved by City Manager Katie Ambrose, establishes a temporary, review-based funding partnership designed to strengthen the capacity and reach of local food resources while the City continues to monitor federal developments.

"This initiative represents a humanitarian, efficient, and cost-effective response. While it does not replace federal SNAP benefits, it is a prong in a multi-pronged effort to minimize harm and strengthen local food supports for those who need them most," Marsh said.

Under the plan, the City is coordinating with both nonprofit partners to expand and stabilize food distribution efforts, leveraging their existing infrastructure to ensure assistance can be delivered quickly and responsibly if needed.

"This approach aligns with the City's legal obligations to ensure residents' basic needs are met," said City Manager Katie Ambrose. "By working with experienced community partners with established funding relationships with the City, we can use budgeted resources in a practical and accountable way."

LeeAnn Bruneau, Executive Director of Share Fund, said this partnership allows the organization to serve more families and continue the work that means so much to its volunteers and community.

"I love the Share Fund and our mission. We're deeply grateful for the City's support and trust," Bruneau said.

Betsy Andrews Parker, CEO of the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, said demand for food assistance and essential resources continues to grow, and that the organization has significantly increased operations to meet community needs.

"We have expanded pantry hours, added mobile food distribution sites, and extended outreach to vulnerable populations throughout the Rochester area," she said. "We are deeply grateful for the City's ongoing partnership and commitment to addressing food insecurity in our community. This support will make an immediate and meaningful impact for families and individuals facing hardship during this difficult time."

The City's temporary funding plan is a targeted addition to the existing network of food support organizations.

"We are fortunate to have such an eclectic network of direct and donated food supports," Marsh said. "Rochester businesses, civic organizations, faith-based initiatives, and efforts like the Gather Mobile Food Market all contribute toward maximizing food security. This partnership is one more example of how the culture of collaboration in our community strengthens the overall safety net for residents.

"As we enter a month of increased challenge and uncertainty, I remain confident in our community's compassion, generosity, and problem-solving spirit. It's not the outside of our buildings that makes our city great--it's the people inside," Marsh added.

Residents are encouraged to contact food pantries and meal centers, including the following resources:

• Community Action Partnership of Strafford County - (603) 435-2500 Community Action Partnership of NH
• Share Fund Food Pantry - (603) 335-0011 Share Fund: ShareFund Community Resource in Rochester, NH
• Gather Mobile Food Market - (603) 436-0641 Gather Mobile Markets | Mobile Food Pantry | Seacoast NH
• Rochester City Welfare Department - (603) 332-3505
• New Hampshire Food Bank Food Map- Food Map - New Hampshire Food Bank
• 2-1-1 New Hampshire (Referral Specialists) - Dial "211" 211 NH | Home

The City of Rochester will continue to monitor federal updates regarding SNAP funding in coordination with local partners and share information with the community as it becomes available.