One reason Thanksgiving is such an important holiday for most farm families is that farmers and gardeners tend not to take the abundance of food on their holiday tables for granted. Those who grow or produce food for their own families, or for many families, know all too well the risks and impacts of drought, voracious insects, or the loss of an animal—whether cow, pig, sheep,  goat or turkey.

This year we are hearing that the need of struggling families for food assistance is greater than at any time in recent memory. This week the NH Food Bank reported an estimated 135,000 individuals of all ages are in need, and overwhelming the state’s network of emergency food providers. That’s about 10% of the state’s population. Thirty-five percent of members of households served are children under 18. TV news cameras have shown nearly bare shelves at the Food Bank’s Manchester warehouse.

New Hampshire has had one of the lowest poverty rates in the country. In 2009, it was the lowest at 7.9 percent. However, an alternative poverty assessment released by the U.S. Census this month pegs the 2009 poverty rate at 10.4 percent, higher than seven other states, including Maine and Vermont. The Supplemental Poverty Measure factors in the value of public assistance and living costs. New Hampshire’s high housing and utilities costs make most of the difference.

More than 26,200 people receive food assistance from emergency providers in the state in any given week. The need is no greater during the holidays than any other month of the year, Cleo Castonguay told visitors to the grand opening of the new community assistance center and food pantry run by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Exeter. “People need to eat every day,” he said.

Exeter’s new center is a converted branch bank office, located close to the town’s two elementary schools and train station—and within walking distance of several residential neighborhoods. The renovation and equipping of the former bank significantly expands the capacity and efficiency of the food pantry, which had been crammed into an house owned by St. Michael’s Church. Castonguay noted the whole renovation project was accomplished entirely by volunteers, with donated materials and equipment.

Large, glass-door refrigerators and freezer cases just like those in a supermarket make it possible to stock and supply fresh and frozen perishable foods. This is one local food pantry that welcomes and can quickly distribute fresh produce donations from farmers and gardeners.  Clients need milk, eggs, dairy products and meats, and this food pantry can handle these products—if they can get donations.  Clients slide color-coded baskets along a counter for volunteers to fill with the clients’ choices from products displayed on open shelving, or in the refrigerator and freezer cases.

A loading dock at the rear of the building makes receiving deliveries easy, and Exeter Hospital donated a system of space-maximizing, moveable shelves for storage.  The center is welcoming, with comfortable seating in a receiving area, and conference space and private consulting room. Thanks to the building’s original use as a bank, the center is equipped with a number of security features.

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            Qualified UNH pre-vet students are now guaranteed a spot at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Under a new articulation agreement signed this summer, Ross will accept all UNH graduates who successfully complete selected courses and meet selection criteria for its doctor of veterinary medicine degree. Fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, Ross University produces more U.S. veterinarians than any other institution. Students spend seven semesters at the St. Kitts campus, plus three semesters in clinical training at one of 22 accredited veterinary schools in the U.S. Approximately 200 students are in UNH’s pre-veterinary medicine advising program: http://www.prevet.unh.edu

Lorraine Merrill, Commissioner                                                                        

(reprinted from Weekly Market Bulletin, Nov. 23, 2011)

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The NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Division of Agricultural Development compiles market information and publishes the Weekly Market Bulletin for the agriculture community. The Bulletin is the department’s ‘publication of record’ and includes appropriate industry notices, announcements, seasonal information and market survey data. Subscribers may advertise in the popular agricultural classified advertising at no charge. One-year subscriptions are $28 for delivery by U.S. Postal Service, or $22 for delivery by secure internet. Sign up for the Weekly Market Bulletin by calling the office at 271-2505 and providing a credit card for payment; or visit the office at 25 Capitol St., Concord; or mail in your request with a check. Be sure to provide your address, phone number, and if you are requesting an online subscription, an email address.