REGION – The New Hampshire Food Bank believes nothing could be the answer. Together with Gov. Chris Sununu and Citizens Bank, the New Hampshire Food Bank, a program of Catholic Charities New Hampshire, launched the 2018 Nothing Campaign on April 6 at Market Basket in Londonderry. The statewide campaign features cans of “nothing,” representing the 10 percent of residents, including 13 percent of children, who are food insecure. Customers are encouraged to purchase cans of “nothing” for $5 at locations across the state through the end of May. Over the past five years, the Nothing Campaign has generated $563,845, which has provided more than 1.12 million meals.

“The New Hampshire Food Bank has come together with Citizens Bank, our grocery partners and the people of New Hampshire in the ongoing fight against hunger in this year’s Nothing Campaign,” said Eileen Liponis, executive director of the New Hampshire Food Bank. “Thanks in large part to continued support from the community and business partners like Citizens Bank, the New Hampshire Food Bank continues to make substantial strides in the fight to end hunger here in the Granite State. There are thousands of New Hampshire residents who are still food insecure – which means they don’t know where their next meal will come from. But there is no doubt the Nothing Campaign will once again have a monumental impact on those most in need.”

Cans are on sale now for $5 at 98 stores across the state, including all New Hampshire Hannaford, Harvest Market, Shaw’s, and Market Basket locations, as well as Sully’s Superette in Goffstown and Allenstown and Vista Foods in Laconia. Those who purchase cans are encouraged to fill them with donations and bring them to the New Hampshire Food Bank. All proceeds go to the New Hampshire Food Bank to buy meals for the hungry.

“Too many people in New Hampshire have nothing to eat and that is what makes the annual Nothing Campaign so critical for individuals and families throughout the state. The New Hampshire Food Bank serves as an essential resource to those in need in New Hampshire, delivering food to more than 425 soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and other nonprofit organizations across New Hampshire,” said Sununu. “I am proud to stand here today with so many great partners as we work toward raising crucial resources for vulnerable New Hampshire residents. Every little bit helps, and any contribution helps the New Hampshire Food Bank toward its goal of eliminating hunger in New Hampshire.”

Citizens Bank, the sole underwriter for the Nothing Campaign, and the New Hampshire Food Bank first launched the Nothing Campaign in New Hampshire in 2013.

“Citizens Bank is proud to join our partners at the New Hampshire Food Bank in underwriting the sixth annual Nothing Campaign,” said Joe Carelli, president, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire and Vermont. Last year, we watched the campaign surpass $563,000 or over 1.1 million meals raised over the course of the campaign since 2013. We thank the people of New Hampshire for keeping this campaign successful year after year. We know hunger is not a problem we can fix in a day, but we are challenging every person in New Hampshire to do something by making a contribution to the Nothing Campaign.”

Support from the Nothing Campaign is critical as the need continues to grow in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Food Bank, which receives no state or federal funding for food distribution, delivers nutritious food to more than 425 partner agencies statewide, including food pantries, soup kitchens, afterschool programs, senior centers and other nonprofit feeding programs. During 2017, the New Hampshire Food Bank distributed 13.7 million pounds of food to its partners. This year, due to the growing demand, the New Hampshire Food Bank expects to distribute more than 14 million pounds of food.

To learn more, visit nhfoodbank.org/nothing.