About us / FAQ
Our History:
The Goffstown Network food pantry program originated within a local church, as an offshoot of the parish’s Community Outreach Program. In the mid 1970s, a modest food locker was set up and administered by parishioners of St. Matthew’s church. As the ministry grew, and as community needs and response increased, cooperative ventures developed between the St. Matthew’s Outreach, local schools, area churches, town officials and banks. ​ Eventually, the St. Matthew’s Outreach Program expanded from offering just food assistance to the development and implementation of a Christmas Program, as well as supplying groceries for 1 – 2 weeks per month. ​The community response was overwhelming, as local and civic organizations joined the effort. As a result, an ad hoc committee was formed in order to investigate the formation of a separate new community-wide non-profit organization called the ‘Goffstown Network.’ The Goffstown Network was (and is) governed by representatives of the 25 member organizations. Out of these representatives, an Executive Board, consisting of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, was elected. In 1990, an incorporation application for the Goffstown Network was submitted to the state of New Hampshire. ​In 1991, a grant proposal was submitted to the United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church, requesting expansion funds in order to hire a half-time administrator. Network made a major investment, hiring a coordinator from outside the Executive Board for one year, and now looked forward to having a formal office set up, procedures developed and implemented and the volunteer base coordinated. This resulted in the creation of the program that exists today. In 1993, the Holiday Basket Program was permanently placed under the Goffstown Network umbrella. ​Today, the Goffstown Network is a fully volunteer organization that has expanded its outreach to provide weekend food to children in Goffstown and New Boston. The pantry works closely with its communities by partnering with local businesses on food drives, giving youth groups service opportunities, and sharing our resources with other local pantries.
Current Officers and Board Members:
Mark Sullivan President Roger Fortier Vice President Liz Veilleux Secretary Sheri Moloney Treasurer Dave Greiner Past-President Bobby Blanchard MIchelle Brown Tracy Charette Don Descoteaux Phil Hastings Barbara Meighan Pete Moloney Justin Sousa Chris Tosto
I Need help, how do I get started?
To get started, simply come to the Goffstown Network food pantry during normal pantry hours. The pantry is located in the St. Matthew’s Parish House at 7 North Mast Street in Goffstown (across from Sully’s Superette). The pantry is open on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm, and on Saturday mornings, from 10:00 – 11:30 am.
Do I need to qualify?
No, you do not. The Goffstown Network offers assistance to all residents of Goffstown, New Boston, and Dunbarton. You will fill out a simple application on your first visit, but no one who is in need will be turned away.
What do I need to bring?
Every time that you visit the pantry, we ask that you bring a recent utility bill, phone bill, or any other current documentation that shows that you are a current resident of Goffstown, New Boston, or Dunbarton. A driver’s license does not qualify.
How often can I come in?
Clients of the Goffstown Network food pantry are allowed to come in once every four weeks.
What happens if I can not visit the pantry on my next scheduled day?
​If you cannot visit on the date that is on your pantry reminder notice, you are free to visit any time after that date. The date on the reminder is the earliest date that you may visit, so you are welcome to visit on or after that date.
What does these the Food Pantry provide?
We provide clients with approximately one week’s groceries. This includes staples, such as canned and boxed goods, frozen meat, milk, cheese, eggs, and personal care products. Other items like produce, bread and baked goods are provided when available.