The NH Food Bank: it’s likely you’ve heard of it. You’re aware it exists. Perhaps you’ve donated food through a local organization during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. But when I’m out in the communities we serve, I’m often surprised by the number of people who don’t really understand what the NH Food Bank does. And if folks don’t understand that, then it’s unlikely they know how we do our best to feed 143,000 men, women and children throughout the state via our network of partner agencies.

It’s all about food donations, right? Well, that’s certainly a large part of it. This year alone, the NH Food Bank is on track to distribute 9 million pounds of food to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, day cares and senior citizen homes. That’s a big number and the need continues to grow by double digits each year.

In talking with people throughout New Hampshire, I’ve found that many don’t realize the NH Food Bank is home to a culinary arts training kitchen, a mobile food pantry and that our staff provides ongoing education and job training to prepare individuals and families to be independent and self-sufficient. In addition to providing much-needed food, we’re also narrowly focused on developing programs that address the core causes of hunger in New Hampshire. These efforts have a long-term impact in our communities.

For a glimpse into a day in the life at the NH Food Bank, it takes just one 60-minute tour to truly appreciate the scope and magnitude of what we believe has become a well-oiled machine. I continue to be impressed by our internal community of amazing staff and dedicated volunteers who generously offer hours of their time each week to sort through dozens of pallets of food items. All food items, perishable and non-perishable, donated by residents or local grocers, are individually sorted and categorized for distribution. This is a labor-intensive process which completely relies on hundreds of volunteer hours every month.

Mornings are always a busy time at the Food Bank. It’s during the earlier part of the day that you’ll see a steady stream of cars, mini-vans and trucks arriving and departing at the loading docks located in the back of the building. These volunteers are responsible for picking up their pre-ordered weekly supply, which they reserved in advance using our online ordering system. This new system was implemented at our expanded facility to deliver increased efficiencies and conveniences for the Food Bank and a more equitable distribution to participating agencies. Pre-ordered food items are picked then stored in queue for volunteers to pick-up throughout the week. It’s such an efficient and seamless new process.

Prior to 2009, storage space, safe access to loading docks and online ordering were visions on our “wish list” for the future because our former location was simply too small and limited to accommodate such lofty dreams. And, today, through generous donations from individuals, businesses and foundations, our new and expanded facility on East Industrial Park Drive has become an amazing reality.

Community support has allowed us to generate more than $4 million to fund this expansion project. But there’s still more funding that needs to be raised in order to continue the NH Food Bank’s mission.

The “Mission Possible” capital campaign was launched earlier this year with the goal to raise the final million dollars, and with continued community support we’re on track to meet that goal. In fact, if NH Catholic Charities is successful in raising $700,000 by the end of 2012, three generous donors have promised to contribute another $350,000, bringing the campaign near completion. Completion of our Capital Campaign will allow us to continue to do what we do best: provide food and resources to the programs that feed people around the state.

At the end of the day, the NH Food Bank supports hungry families with food. That is true. But, it takes just one peek behind the scenes to understand the significantly larger impact the Food Bank has in our communities. Visit nhfoodbank.org for details on how you can donate to the Mission Possible campaign. Every donation ensures that our vision for the NH Food Bank continues to be a reality.

Mel Gosselin is director of the NH Food Bank.