✨ Season of Thanks: Let’s Show Our Stores Some Love! ✨

“Every thank-you is a seed planted. With time and care, it grows into the trust and partnership that strengthens our whole community.”

As we head into the holiday season, we want to encourage all Fresh Rescue agencies to take a moment to thank the retail stores you pick up from. These teams work hard, often under intense seasonal pressure (sound familiar?), and a simple “thank you” can go a long way in building the kind of relationships that keep Fresh Rescue strong.

Many agencies will usually send a quick note or a standard "Thank You" letter each year, but this season we invite you to try something a little more personal:

A festive card signed by your volunteers
A small treat (think: a bag of chocolates, homemade cookies, or a holiday snack mix)
A photo of your pantry team holding a “Thank You” sign

These small gestures help remind store staff that their efforts matter—not just to their company’s sustainability goals, but to real neighbors and real families in our communities. The past couple months have been challenging for both stores and pantries, and this is a beautiful opportunity to recognize that we are all working toward the same mission of feeding our neighbors with dignity and care.

Your partnership with each donor store is a gift. Let’s take a moment to make that partnership visible, intentional, and full of gratitude.

Thank you for all you do to make Fresh Rescue possible—every mile driven, every pound weighed, every family served.

-Hudson

Fresh Rescue Coordinator

Additional Drops for Delivery Agencies

A common theme in our earlier Listening Sessions was that our delivery agencies needed more support from the NHFB due to only being able to order once per month. We discussed this concern in detail and have decided to try something new. Beginning in January 2026, we will have drop sites around the state where we will be bringing additional items for agencies to come stock up. These deliveries will be on Wednesdays and will be focused on areas of the state that are too far to feasibly drive to either of our warehouse locations. More information on these drops will be sent out soon!

Food Map Upgrades!

In 2026, we have some big plans to enhance our neighbor experience. We will be updating our Food Map on our website to include more searchable information which will finally be able to include hours and days of operation, additional services and more! We will be hosting a Network Call in January to show everyone the features and plan for this rollout.

Annual Handbook Signature

For 2026, we will be requiring all Partner Agencies to sign the 2026 Partner Agency Handbook. This will have some updated sections and some clarification on certain topics. We will not be requiring any other documents during this annual signature but we will be asking for some contact information and program information so we can make sure we're up to date.

SAFETY IN THE WAREHOUSE

As part of our commitment to keeping everyone safe in our building, there will be some changes coming for our warehouse that will impact tour groups, staff and partner agencies.

Beginning in January, all agency shoppers coming to shop inside the warehouse will be required to wear reflective vests to utilize the shopping area. There will be vests available right inside the agency door and can be returned after shopping is complete.

Thank you for your cooperation in making sure that everyone stays safe!

Agency Relations Team!

Happy Holidays from the NH Food Bank!

Kristie Deneault

Agency Relations Manager

Hudson Wells

Fresh Rescue Coordinator

Stacey Garron

Agency Relations Coordinator

(Cheshire, Sullivan, Merrimack & lower Grafton County)

Jocelyn Cheney

Agency Relations Coordinator

(Belknap, Strafford & Rockingham County)

Marla Soucy

Agency Relations Coordinator

(Hillsborough County)

Christy Langlois

North Country Systems Manager

(Coos, Carroll & Upper Grafton County)

Helpful Links

Product Feedback Form

Partner Agency Handbook

Find Food Map

Agency Express

Meal Connect

Upcoming Classes

New Shopper Orientation

Please contact your NHFB Coordinator directly for options.

Basic Food Safety Training

SAFE Food Handling For Food Pantries:

Thursday, December 11th from 2:00pm-4:30pm

Wednesday, January 21st from 3:00pm-5:30pm

SAFE Food Handling For Soup Kitchens & Prepared Meals:

Monday, December 8th from 2:30pm-4:30pm

All sessions are 2-2.5 hr. trainings via Zoom. Dates and times are subject to change based on the availability of UNH Cooperative staff.

If you need to acquire food safety training (non-meal sites) but are unable to attend a live zoom session, a similar training can be done online at workhub.com/features/training/food-safety or Alison.com/course/food-safety-and-hygiene. Both courses are free. Alison.com charges to print a certificate. To avoid this cost, send your Agency Coordinator a screenshot of the certificate or a screenshot of your “Learner Record” with the date of completion found in your Account Settings.

Food Manager Certificate Courses

Here are some course and test options for the Food Manager Certificate that meet the meal site requirement for any agency that produces meals.

~ Certificates are valid for 5 years ~

Learn2Serve NH Food Safety Manager:

https://www.360training.com/learn2serve/food-safety-manager/New-Hampshire

$121 Course & Exam

Always Food Safe Manager:

https://alwaysfoodsafe.com/en/food-protection-manager/new-hampshire

$126 Course & Exam

ServSafe Food Protection Manager:

https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Manager/Buy-Manager-Products

$179 Course & Exam