Our Programs
We have decided to continue with our modifications stemming from the COVID-19 guidelines for the foreseeable future. Keeping our clients and those that are most at risk is our top priority.
We are grateful for our volunteers who come to help prepare and serve the meals.
It is our commitment to keep our clients, staff and volunteers as safe as possible.
Food Distribution & Hot Meals
Pantry Program
Wednesdays & Thursdays
We are working with community partners to ensure that no matter where people live in the Monadnock region, they can conveniently access a variety of quality food!
Did you know? The Community Kitchen distributed 27,554 boxes for a total of 247,986 meals through the Pantry Program in 2022.
Take home supplemental food boxes are available once a week on either day:
Wednesdays drive-thru 12:30pm-5:30pm
Thursdays walk-thru from 11:30am-4:00pm.
The boxes contain staples such as breads, shelf-stable groceries, protein, fresh vegetables and dairy when possible.
Verification of name and address is required.
We ask that participants bring a box or laundry basket to carry the food.
We accept donations of food during these hours:
Monday – Friday 9AM to 5PM
Our Pantry Program is based on the number of people in your household. You qualify for this program if your combined household income is equal to or below the following annual income guidelines:
1 Person – $34,992
2 People – $47,328
3 People – $59,664
4 People – $72,000
5 People – $84,336
6 People – $96,672
7 People – $109,008
8 People – $121,344
9 People – $133,680
10 People – $146,016
EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(Re-verification for 2023-2024 Annual Incomes Application)
Hot Meals
The Community Kitchen prepared and served 33,677 meals through the Hot Meals program in 2022.
Hot meals are served 5 days a week with a Sunday lunch
MON-FRI- 5:00-6:20PM
SUN- LUNCH Only- 11:00AM-12:00PM
For years, we’ve served hot meals in the dining room nightly, 5 nights a week. We were forced to switch to a take-out model during the pandemic and we are positioning ourselves to reopen in-house dining as an option this summer. In order to make this happen, we need to raise funds for some surveillance updates which will cost $6-13 thousand dollars in all likelihood, in order to maintain appropriate safety for staff volunteers and guests. We are also investigating resources for more sustainable packaging for our takeout meals.
We do our best to offer well-balanced nutritional meals: main dish (meal, poultry or fish), vegetarian dish, starch, choice of two vegetables, garden and fruit salads, assorted sides, desserts and beverages. Anyone who is in need of a prepared meal or companionship is welcome. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Expanding the Scope of our Mission
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
We have slowly been extending our reach as we broaden
the scope of our mission to include addressing the root causes of hunger.
Piloted over the summer of 2022, our Mobile Food Pantry rolled out, visiting towns across our 976 square mile region bringing food to neighbors who lack the money and transportation to access food.
Results of this initial pilot included 5 locations serving a total of 191 constituents in the region. The pilot was well received and we have moved forward with fundraising for a full launch.
We are currently establishing needs for the most efficient way to launch the program with a dedicated vehicle among other expenses.
The Mobile Food Pantry is the result of our collaboration to develop a food access plan for the region with the Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition who discovered that a lack of transportation is a leading cause of food insecurity and a barrier to accessing food through The Community Kitchen.
Kindly Join Us…
for a Mobile Food Pantry and Resource Fair hosted by The Keene Community Kitchen and the Healthy Monadnock Alliance. Fresh produce, meat and dairy products and commodities are available at no cost to all eligible residents, as well as, resources for SNAP, WIC, Housing, Double Up Veggie Bucks, Heating Assistance, HCS Healthy Starts, and the Pet Food Pantry Program. Day of enrollment is available on site.
This year our participating towns are Gilsum, Winchester, Richmond, Fitzwilliam, Antrim and Nelson.
New Client Enrollment
If you are a new guest interested in receiving food assistance, please bring proof of address (photo ID, recent mail, utility bill, lease, or car registration). For questions about eligibility, call (603) 352-3200.
2023 Schedule:
October 14, 1:00-3:00pm –
Nelson Elementary School
441 Granite Lake Rd., Nelson, NH
The Mobile Food Pantry and Resource Fair is a partnership with The Community Kitchen, Southwestern Community Services, The Monadnock Humane Society, Home Healthcare and Community Services and Healthy Monadnock Alliance.
