Share Fund offering choices at Gerry’s Food Pantry in Rochester

ROCHESTER — For over 40 years, neighbors in need of food assistance looked to Gerry's Food Pantry, now part of the Share Fund. What started as a one-man operation helping a few dozen families, evolved into a well-organized operation serving over 750 families each month.

Recent visitors to Gerry's Food Pantry were met with a familiar welcoming smile and the latest of the many changes in how the Share Fund has evolved to serve the community.

Events over the last few years, Covid and increases in housing and food costs, among other challenges, have increased the number of households experiencing food insecurity from 240 families to over 750. "To meet this challenge, we must change" says Skip Smith, Share Fund's Executive Director. "And change gives us the opportunity to improve", he adds.

The latest change introduces client choice shopping. Until recently, food assistance came in a pre-selected basket of groceries, which would include canned goods, packaged items, bread, deli, desserts, milk, eggs, and meat. Beginning in July, volunteers continued providing frozen meats and milk, and visitors complete their shopping choosing their own selections of canned goods, breads, and more. Reactions have been positive - both among the volunteers and the clients they serve. This system gives the client more control over what they go home with, allowing for better dietary decisions, less waste, and more dignity.

The Motto: "Neighbors Helping Neighbors " captures the spirit of the Share Fund's volunteers and staff. They serve residents of Rochester and Greater Strafford County. The clients range in age from young working couples to grandparents who suddenly found themselves caring for grandkids.

In addition to operating a pantry, the Share Fund also has a diaper bank serving all ages. The Community Clothing Shop is both a thrift store and a community closet providing clothes, household items, and even toys for those in need. Financial assistance for housing, heating, electric, and medical emergencies round out the services. The Share Fund also cooperates with other non-profit and governmental agencies in meeting the needs of our neighbors.

“We continue to look for ways to make asking for needed help a bit less worrisome. After all, those we serve are our neighbors.” quotes Smith.

The Share Fund operates from the James Foley Center at 150 Wakefield St., Suite 5, Rochester, N.H. 03867

The food pantry is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m.

The Community Clothing Shop is open on Mondays and Wednesdays, and, except for the summer months, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Share Fund offering choices at Gerry’s Food Pantry in Rochester, NH