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FAQs

FAQs

What is the difference between a Food BANK and a Food PANTRY?

Food Banks gather, transport, store and distribute food to people through food pantries, meal programs and other emergency food providers.  The food pantries and programs that get food from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank are our member agencies.  The staff and volunteers at these member agencies give food to individuals and families.

How does the Merrimack Valley Food Bank get food?

We rely upon the generous donations of individuals and groups in the business, faith based and academic sectors to keep the food supply at a level that can help our member agencies serve their guests.

1.  Food Drives provide non-perishable food like peanut butter, pasta, tuna fish, canned fruit and vegetables and personal care items.

2.  Food Company donations are usually in large quantities, and in some cases fill one of our large refrigerated trucks.  We can safely transport and store refrigerated and frozen items on behalf of our member agencies, who may not have the resources to collect the volume of food in some of these donations.  These donations come from supermarkets, manufacturers and distributors.

3.  Gardeners and Farmers donate fresh produce that is needed for a nutritious diet.

How does the Merrimack Valley Food Bank receive funds?

As a nonprofit organization, we don’t sell a product or service for profit. We rely upon support of all types of funds and amounts, ranging from foundations and corporate sponsors to individual donations.

  • In kind donations of food products, equipment and professional expertise are also valuable.
  • We conduct annual fundraising events such as our Big Night Out event in the Spring and our Annual Golf Tournament & Awards Dinner in the Fall.
  • Many companies will match gifts made by employees.  Contact your human resources manager for details.

Donations in any and all amounts are appreciated!