“I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was homeless and you gave me a room.” Matthew 25:35

Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance serves the working hungry and homeless in the Nashua, NH Community

SUMMARY

Corpus Christi Food Pantry and Assistance, Inc. (CCFP&A) is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit established in 1999 by the Roman Catholic parishes of Nashua to better meet the needs of the residents of Nashua.

Since that time, CCFP&A has been dedicated to preventing hunger and homelessness in the Nashua community. More recently, the demands of the Nashua community have been exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic, not only on the working poor and the elderly, but also the middle class. These families live paycheck to paycheck and even a small emergency can create a serious crisis to their households.  Many people need help for the first time in their lives. They are struggling to make ends meet.

HISTORY

In 1998 ten Catholic parishes of Nashua came together to discuss increasing requests for food and financial support for individuals and families faced with unexpected situations, or just day-to-day problems. These original discussions resulted in the formation of a centralized agency in 1999 called Corpus Christi Food Pantry, located near public transportation in downtown Nashua. The pressing issue of hunger, and the need to ask for assistance other than food, catalyzed the Corpus Christi Board of Directors to address the complex issue of the client’s financial insecurity – and as a result, in 2004 the Assistance Program was added.

In 2017, the Diocese was planning on reopening a parish in Nashua and needed the space where CCFP&A was located.  A search began and in January 2018, CCFP&A was relocated to the current location on Crown Street.

SERVICES

All services are offered to help prevent hunger and homelessness and to help clients and their families on their journey to achieving self-sufficiency.

When clients arrive at the Food Pantry, the client receives a “shopping list” of items to choose from, rather than giving all clients a pre-made package of food. Clients choose what their family would like from the “shopping list.” Volunteers fill the order and deliver it to the client.  Often times, there is bread, bakery products, fresh produce, and other items that clients can choose from while waiting for their orders to be filled.

The Assistance Program provides a short-term safety net for those who do not qualify for government assistance or for whom that assistance is insufficient or delayed. Working directly with clients one-on-one via phone or in the office the Assistance Program identifies and offers practical information in dealing with the social services network within Greater Nashua. Financial guidance such as planning and budgeting approaches are always provided to clients. Additionally, the Assistance Program may provide financial help with pending evictions, utility shut-offs, modest transportation, medical and dental bills. and other basic needs. In certain situations, the Assistance Program may act as an advocate for the client with other local agencies.

While CCFP&A’s roots originate from the local Roman Catholic parishes, no church affiliation is required to receive our services.  Our services are offered without regard to race, religion, country of origin or gender.  CCFP&A staff works with all government, religious and nonprofit organizations in Nashua to assist clients in becoming part of a broader service network.

OPERATION & SUPPORT

CCFP&A operates economically with only two paid employees, as a result of a cadre of volunteers who serve the community on a daily basis or on special projects, such as the holidays. CCFP&A is governed by a board of directors consisting of local parish representatives, local agencies, and at-large members.  Our support comes from countless individuals, businesses, religious organizations, merchants, civic organizations, and schools.