How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Food Assistance in New Hampshire

10 verified resources.

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's Circuit Court Family Division handles all family matters statewide. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DHHS. Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Dover are the largest cities. 603 Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong self-help website for pro se fathers.

10 Resources

1. NH Food Bank — Free

The New Hampshire Food Bank is the state's largest hunger-relief organization, distributing food to nearly 400 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across all ten counties from its Manchester warehouse. Fathers struggling to feed their families can find a nearby partner pantry through the website or call 603-669-9725 Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm for referrals. No income verification required at most pantries. Bring a photo ID and reusable bags or boxes when you pick up.

603-669-9725 · 700 East Industrial Park Dr, Manchester, NH 03109 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

2. Feeding America – NH Partners — Free

Feeding America's network of member food banks provides emergency food through pantries across New Hampshire for families in need. Fathers can find their closest partner pantry by calling 800-771-2303 or using the online locator, with hours varying by location. Most pantries serve anyone who walks in without income verification on a first visit; some may request proof of address or household size. Bring reusable bags or boxes and be ready to identify household members.

800-771-2303 · Varies by location · Visit Website

3. Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter — Free

Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter provides free hot meals, a walk-in food pantry, emergency shelter, and supportive services for homeless and low-income residents from its Quincy Street location. Fathers and families can drop in during posted daily meal times for no-cost meals; no registration or ID required. Call 603-889-7770 for the current meal schedule, pantry hours, and shelter intake details. Volunteers and donations welcome to help keep programs running for the community.

603-889-7770 · 2 Quincy St, Nashua, NH 03060 · Daily meal times · Visit Website

4. Meals on Wheels – NH — Free

Meals on Wheels programs across New Hampshire deliver free or donation-based hot meals to homebound seniors and disabled adults who cannot easily prepare their own food. Fathers caring for an aging parent or disabled family member can call 888-998-6325 Monday through Friday to locate the nearest delivery program and request intake. Bring the recipient's date of birth, address, any dietary restrictions, and emergency contact information when enrolling. Some programs have waitlists.

888-998-6325 · Mon-Fri · Visit Website

5. End 68 Hours of Hunger – NH — Free

End 68 Hours of Hunger is a New Hampshire-based nonprofit that sends weekend food bags home with children identified by school staff as at-risk for hunger between Friday lunch and Monday breakfast. Fathers whose kids might benefit can ask the school's counselor or nurse to enroll them confidentially. Volunteers and donations keep the program running statewide at no cost to families. Visit the website to find a chapter near you or to start one in a school that doesn't yet participate.

Weekends · Visit Website

6. Gather – Seacoast Food Pantry — Free

Gather is the seacoast region's community food pantry serving Rockingham and Strafford county residents with groceries, mobile pantries, and nutrition programs from its West Road Portsmouth location. Fathers can walk in Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm or call 603-436-0641 to confirm hours and eligibility. Bring photo ID and proof of address on a first visit. No appointment required. Mobile pantry sites in nearby towns make it easier for families without reliable transportation.

603-436-0641 · 210 West Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Keene Community Kitchen — Free

The Keene Community Kitchen provides free hot meals and food pantry assistance to residents of the Monadnock region from its Mechanic Street location. Fathers and families can drop in during posted Monday through Saturday meal times with no registration or ID required for meals; the pantry may ask for proof of address on a first visit. Call 603-352-3200 for the current meal schedule and pantry hours. Donations and volunteers are welcome to help keep the kitchen running year-round.

603-352-3200 · 37 Mechanic St, Keene, NH 03431 · Mon-Sat meal times · Visit Website

8. Laconia Area Community Land Trust – Food — Free

Laconia Area Community Land Trust provides food assistance programs and affordable housing services for Lakes Region residents from its Union Avenue office. Fathers can call 603-524-0747 Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm to ask about current pantry hours, food distribution events, and eligibility. Bring photo ID and proof of address on a first visit. No referral needed. Staff can also connect families to housing counseling and emergency financial aid depending on current program availability.

603-524-0747 · 658 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03246 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Claremont Soup Kitchen — Free

The Claremont Soup Kitchen provides free hot meals and a food pantry for Claremont-area residents from its Central Street location. Fathers and families can drop in Monday through Friday during posted meal times with no registration or ID required for meals; the pantry may ask for proof of address on a first visit. Call 603-542-4168 for the current meal schedule and pantry hours. Volunteers and donations keep this Sullivan County program running and welcoming to anyone in need.

603-542-4168 · 53 Central St, Claremont, NH 03743 · Mon-Fri meal times

10. Waypoint – Food & Nutrition Programs — Free

Waypoint offers food and nutrition programs alongside family counseling, youth services, and parenting education for New Hampshire families connected to its broader services. Fathers can learn about current pantry, nutrition, and family-support offerings by calling 603-518-4000 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or visiting the Chestnut Street Manchester office. Bring photo ID and proof of household income when enrolling in programs. Statewide offices extend access beyond the Manchester location.

603-518-4000 · 464 Chestnut St, Manchester, NH 03101 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.