NHTrust had a great afternoon supporting the NH Food Bank’s Production Garden located in Manchester, NH. Employees got down and dirty weeding, clipping and raking to help the garden continue to produce fresh vegetables through the end of summer for distribution to the NH Food Bank agencies. In addition, NHTrust presented the NH Food Bank with a $500 contribution to help with their mission of providing food.
“The NH Food Bank distributes food to more than 400 partner agencies throughout the state,” noted Eileen Liponis, Executive Director of the NH Food Bank. “We are so grateful for the support we received from NHTrust as volunteers in our garden. Each year, the garden provides thousands of pounds of fresh produce to our partner agencies throughout the state as well as our Cooking Matters® NH program and Culinary Job Training program which provides approximately 5,000 meals a week to afterschool programs and other agencies.”
“NHTrust was so appreciative to have the opportunity to pitch in and help at the Production Garden”, said Eulalie Paris, SVP Operations, Partnerships & Client Experience. “As part of a community-based organization, our vision is not only being a part of our communities, but helping support those organizations that help make our communities stronger and better.”
The Production Garden was started in 2008 and grows a variety of vegetables on their one acre of land. A big part of the success of the garden are the volunteers. Beginning in spring, they help prepare the garden for planting and work throughout the summer, nurture, weed, water and harvest the produce. The garden is an educational tool for the larger community as well as related programs for the NH Food Bank, including its Recipe for Success Culinary Job Training and Cooking Matters® NH programs. Cooking Matters® is a national program that empowers families at risk of hunger with the skills, knowledge and confidence to prepare healthy and affordable meals. The Recipe for Success Culinary Job Training program is an 8-week program for individuals facing financial hardship who are seeking employment or looking to improve their skills in the food service and hospitality industries.
The NH Food Bank’s Production Garden is a seasonal volunteer opportunity that can accommodate groups or individuals. For more information, visit https://nhfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer or contact their volunteer coordinator at 603.669.9725 ext. 1131 or email volunteercoordinator@nhfoodbank.org.
Photo caption: NHTrust employees working in the NH Food Bank’s Production Garden
