In the past year, Gather has seen an unprecedented demand across all its anti-hunger programs
Portsmouth, NH…Cold and wet weather didn’t deter 545 Seacoast families from taking advantage of Gather’s Annual Thanksgiving distribution event in Portsmouth last week. Families lined up early to receive all the free fixings – including homemade pies – for the holiday.
Dozens of volunteers handed out nearly 24,000 lbs. of fresh produce, canned goods, turkeys, chocolates, and tasty pies. In addition, the nonprofit Alliance for Greater Good donated winter gear, such as hats, gloves, scarves, and other warm clothing. Gather’s culinary team baked cookies and offered coffee and cocoa while breakfast burritos were supplied by Red’s Good Vibes.
The event represents a significant logistical operation that includes securing the food and raising funds. Nina Parrott, owner of Fifth Flavor, is just one part of this large operation. The well known caterer holds an annual pie drive with neighbors, friends and businesses across the region, which secured 800 pies for the event. Says Parrott, “Every year, when I ask my friends and neighbors to contribute to the ‘pie drive’ it just brings me to tears when they do it with such enthusiastic force. People understand that it’s not about the pie, per se. It’s about giving fellow community members a moment of joy.”
According to Anne Hayes, Executive Director of Gather, “In the past year, Gather has seen an unprecedented demand across all its anti-hunger programs – higher than ever in its 200-year history. We’re now serving an average of 10,500 individuals each month, a 24% increase over 2023, and providing nearly 80,000 prepared meals, a 26% increase over 2023. So this makes sense that we’re seeing hundreds of people at our Thanksgiving event. We’re so appreciative of the support of our community and sponsors who are able to make this happen for Seacoast families in need.”
The presenting sponsor of the event was Novocure. “Novocure is proud to be a part of the greater Portsmouth community,” said William Doyle, Novocure’s Executive Chairman. “Through invaluable partnerships with community-based organizations like Gather, we are helping make a difference in the lives of Granite Staters. A special thank you to all Novocure employees who volunteered to support and to Gather for their commitment to end food insecurity across the greater Seacoast region.”
Gather’s culinary team also contributed by making 250 individual Thanksgiving meals for those who are unable to put together their own dinner this year. The meals are available at Gather’s food pantry at 210 West Road in Portsmouth. A team of volunteers coordinated with Gather’s Seacoast Waste Not program that connects surplus food ingredients from participating restaurants and caterers with Gather’s volunteer cooks working out of the kitchen at Great Bay Community College.
About Gather
Gather offers innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways. Founded in 1816, Gather is one of the oldest social service organizations in the country. For over two centuries, Gather has been a regional leader in addressing hunger. Over the last decade, the organization revolutionized its approach and expanded from a traditional food pantry to incorporate cutting-edge mobile programs that distribute fresh food in the Greater Seacoast region. Individuals and families from more than 65 southern New Hampshire and York County, Maine towns are served at the pantry and free mobile markets. For more information, visit www.gathernh.org/
