Frequently Asked Questions

Do you serve my area?

Yes, we do!  Anyone in need who comes to our food pantry is served!

Do I need to wear a mask? 

We no longer require that everyone wear a mask in the building but feel free to wear a mask if you wish. We do ask that you use our hand-sanitizing stations on your way in and your way out of the building. We care about your health and the health of our volunteers, and we take these simple precautions to try to keep everyone healthy.

COVID POLICY For all Staff, Volunteers and Shoppers:

If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and do not come to the Pantry for at least 5 days.

You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.  The day you test is Day 0. Day 1 is the first full day following the day you were tested.

• Stay home and separate from others as much as possible

• Contact the Pantry’s Director to notify him/her that you have tested positive for COVID-19.

• Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around other people at home and in public.

• Wash hands frequently.

You may return to the Pantry:

If you had no symptoms-- you may end isolation after 5 days but continue to wear a mask for another 5 days at the Pantry please!

If you had symptoms-- you may return to the Pantry after Day 5 at the earliest ONLY IF:

• Symptoms are improving

• You are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications;

• You MUST wear a high-quality mask for the next 5 days

• Please maintain distance from other volunteers and shoppers as best as possible

  Exposure to COVID-19

A person can spread the virus to other people starting two days before they develop symptoms through 10 days after they develop symptoms.  Therefore if you learn you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 please wear a mask for 10 days while you are at the Pantry.

An exposure is defined as being within 6 feet of someone with COVID-19 for at least 15 cumulative minutes or more over a 24-hour period of time.   Masks are available at the pantry for your use.

Based on cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation and

NH Department of Health and Human Services

What do I need to bring?

• You need to bring a photo I.D. You do have 60 days to provide us with it. You will not be turned away.

• You will be asked to complete our registration form. This form provides us with your contact information and with the names and dates of birth for each member of your household.

• You will be asked to provide a verbal statement of income for each member of your household.

• We ask that you bring reusable shopping bags if you have them. We do have plastic and paper bags if you do not have any or forget.

Can someone come with me?

Of course!  You may bring one other person into the building with you to help you shop.  All others will be asked to remain outside or in your vehicle.

How often can I come?

Come whenever you need food. We are here to help!

I don’t usually need help, but if I need some food to get me through the week/month can I come in?

Yes, you can! 

What kinds of foods will I be allowed to choose?

You will be able to choose from our inventory of nonperishable food items, fresh produce, frozen meats, frozen vegetables, dairy, and baked goods.  We also have some personal hygiene, cleaning items and paper goods. You choose what your household members need in quantities based on the size of your household. We also have a selection of personal hygiene items our shoppers can choose once a month.

Can I get food for my dog or cat?

Yes, you can.  We do have bags of cat and dog food that is available.  However, the rest of our food is for human consumption only.  We ask that you do not choose human food to give to your pets.  Thank you!

Where does the food come from?

We obtain an average of 6,000 pounds of food weekly from the New Hampshire Food Bank and perishable items almost daily from Hannaford and BJ’s as part of their participation is in the Food Bank’s Fresh Rescue program. During the growing season, we receive fresh produce from local farms, individual gardeners, and through NH Gleans. We purchase milk weekly from Contoocook Creamery. We receive USDA commodities monthly. Members of our generous community donate nonperishable food items regularly, and there are a number of community food drives each year that benefit the Pantry. Pet food is donated by individuals and by the Franklin Animal Shelter, Pope Memorial SPCA, and Live and Let Live Farm.

How will I know if the Pantry closes due to bad weather?

When schools close due to poor weather conditions, the Pantry will remain open. Although the facility may be short-handed during storms, the staff will do their best to make visits efficient and friendly. Should there be a storm so serious that the Governor declares a state of emergency, the Pantry will post its closing on the WMUR closings list.

Do you have any other programs?

Yes. Our initiative “Feed the Need!” Provides supplemental weekend food to children in the Franklin and Andover schools who are experiencing food insecurity.  In addition, we have a pilot Personal Hygiene Program with which we are establishing a consistent inventory of basic personal hygiene choices. Our registered shoppers may choose once a month what they need from a list which is then filled by volunteers while the individual shops.

Can I come and tour the Food Pantry?

Yes, you can. You will need to arrange a time to come in with our Director, Alison.  Please call her at (603) 934-2662.

How can I help the pantry?

• Several ways! Thank you!

• We accept unexpired and unopened nonperishable food items. We accept private garden excess during the growing months. Call to schedule a drop-off time or stop by during our open hours. Wednesday afternoons are the best. We schedule two food drives at Hannaford’s in Franklin during the year. Monetary donations are always welcome. Your dollars translate tenfold with our purchasing capabilities.

• We accept personal hygiene products like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, menstrual products and incontinence products. These items are NOT covered by SNAP and are an out of pocket expense for families experiencing food insecurity.

• We can always use plastic, paper, or reusable shopping bags.

• We can take your aluminum beverage cans to recycle as part of our fundraising.

• Volunteer! Give back to your community by volunteering with us once a month, once a week, or whatever time you can give. Even an hour of your time makes a difference! We are always seeking volunteers to assist during our service hours and during non-service hours to help with restocking shelves and other important tasks. Consider helping out for a few hours a week! Grab a friend and volunteer together. You will be glad you did! Download the application from our Volunteer Page or call (603-932-2662) to request one.