Changemaker Chronicles: Twin Rivers Food Pantry

Interview with: Cheri Swenson, Board Member & Daisy Blaisdell, Long Time Volunteer

According to the NH Food Alliance, approximately one in six Franklin households experience food insecurity. To counter that statistic a dedicated group of volunteers has worked for over 50 years to ensure that no neighbor goes hungry.

Twin Rivers Food Pantry relocated to its current Central Street location in 2017. The larger facility made it possible to introduce a "choice shopping" model, allowing clients to browse the aisles and select the foods they know their families will use. "Clients doing their own shopping with a volunteer puts more dignity back into the process," says Twin Rivers Food Pantry Board member Cheri Swenson. That commitment to treating every client with dignity has helped the Pantry grow, now accommodating visits from more than 170 households each week.

In 2018, the Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction provided start-up funding and has continued to support the Pantry's “Feed the Need!” program. Twin Rivers Food Pantry volunteer Daisy Blaisdell says the program was created to address a critical gap for children who rely on free or reduced-price school meals. "There had been reports from teachers that they were seeing an increase in behavioral issues on Mondays," Blaisdell says. "We realized many children simply weren't getting enough to eat over the weekend when school meals were not available."

“Feed the Need!” provides supplemental food for weekends and school vacations to children living in food-insecure households. Each weekend bag weighs about five pounds and contains shelf-stable milk, juice boxes, breakfast items, lunch foods, and healthy snacks. Volunteers pack the bags every Friday, and school personnel distribute them discreetly to students at Paul Smith Elementary School, Andover Elementary Middle School, and Franklin Middle School. During this past school year, 120 bags were distributed each week.  The program also provides bags with three dinner items for students at Franklin High School.  "Even with that, we're only reaching about one-third of the children whose families need the support," Blaisdell says. "One of our biggest challenges is that as children get older, especially in middle and high school, many feel there's a stigma attached to taking bags home."

Most of the food included in the bags consists of individually packaged items that must be purchased directly, as donations from the New Hampshire Food Bank and federal food programs do not typically include individually packaged items, such as single-serve cereal boxes.  "When we started, the contents for each “Feed the Need!” bag cost less than $3," Blaisdell says. "Today each one costs more than $5.   As food prices continue to rise, support from the Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction has become increasingly important.  

Swenson emphasizes that “Feed the Need!” is about much more than preventing hunger.  "Proper nutrition is essential for healthy brain development, especially during a child's early years," she says.

Caring for the well-being of children at Twin Rivers Food Pantry goes beyond the weekend bag program.  "Everyone at the Pantry cares deeply about the people they serve," Swenson says. "We often see the same families every week and get to know them, their children, and sometimes even their grandchildren. We pay attention to what's happening in their lives and look for ways to help."

One example came after volunteers noticed children waiting with their parents during Pantry hours. "We started offering each child a snack and a drink," Swenson explains. "They get to choose what they want and enjoy it while they wait”. It's a small gesture, but it makes the experience more welcoming for both the children and their parents.

The Pantry works hard to counter feelings of stigma with positive experiences. Families experience a special shopping experience for Thanksgiving items, while children enjoy pancake mix and local maple syrup for Christmas morning. Through a partnership with Service Credit Union, 150 children received warm winter jackets last year, along with hand-knit hats and mittens created by area residents.   When they’re available, the Pantry offers birthday celebration kits containing cake mix, frosting, and candles so parents can celebrate their child’s special day.

While providing nutritious food remains the Pantry's primary mission, volunteers have also recognized another urgent need: access to basic personal care items. Government nutrition assistance programs do not cover essential products such as feminine hygiene supplies, toothbrushes, toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes, dish soap, or laundry detergent. For many struggling families, these necessities are simply out of reach. One mother shared with Swenson that she kept her children home from school because she had run out of laundry detergent and had no clean clothes for them to wear. Stories like these have inspired Twin Rivers Food Pantry to build and maintain an inventory of personal hygiene products alongside its food assistance, helping families meet some of life's most basic needs with dignity.

The Pantry welcomes donations of unopened, unexpired food, pet food, financial contributions, and volunteer support from the community. Twin Rivers Food Pantry is located in the lower level of 2 Central Street in Franklin and is open Tuesdays 9-11am, Wednesdays 5-7pm, and Thursdays 9-11am. The Pantry assists residents of the City of Franklin and fifteen surrounding communities.  New clients are welcome to register and, upon meeting eligibility requirements, receive assistance.

The Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction is proud to partner with Twin Rivers Food Pantry in helping ensure that local children and families have access to nutritious food, essential household items, and the support they need to thrive. Together, this partnership is strengthening families, preserving dignity, and building a healthier community.

Article written by Beth Osgood Dodge. If you are a Greater Lakes Region Children's Auction funded nonprofit contact Beth at beth03253@gmail.com to arrange an interview and let us spread awareness for your mission!