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How to Make Blessing Bags in New Hampshire: Safe Food, Warm Gear and Help Cards

A simple guide to packing blessing bags for neighbors without a home in New Hampshire, with CDC cold and heat tips, can safety, and a card with 211 NH, 988 and local shelter lines.

Need help tonight?

911Danger or emergency right now 988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours 211Shelter, food, bills, anything else 1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

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Hi friend. A small bag with water, snacks and a few warm basics can mean a lot to someone on the street. New Hampshire winters are cold, so pack smart and keep it simple.

Dial 211 Call or text 988

Quick answers

What food is safe to put in a bag?

Pick sealed, shelf stable foods and check each one. The CDC says to throw out canned foods or containers that are bulging, open or damaged. Its rule is: when in doubt, throw it out.

Official page: cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/keep-food-safe-after-emergency.html

What should I add for cold nights?

The CDC suggests a hat, a scarf, mittens or gloves, and water resistant boots, with loose layers under a water resistant coat. Keep feet in warm, dry clothes, so pack extra socks. Shivering, confusion, clumsy hands or slurred speech are signs of hypothermia, which is an emergency.

Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html

What should I add for hot weather?

Water matters most. The CDC says to drink more than usual and before you feel thirsty. Add a note that libraries or air conditioned places can help cool down. Cramping muscles, head pain, nausea or vomiting are signs to get medical care.

Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html

What info card should I include?

Write a small card: 211 NH, dial 211 or call 866 444 4211. Add 988 for crisis support. In Manchester, add 603 413 1775 for shelter beds at 200 Elm Street. In Concord, add the Resource Center at 603 290 3375.

Official page: manchesternh.gov/Departments/Homelessness-Initiatives/Contact-Homelessness-Initiatives

Where can I learn about food to share?

The NH Food Bank Food Map lists partner pantries and soup kitchens by city or town, so you can add a nearby one to your card. Call 603 669 9725 to ask about helping.

Official page: nhfoodbank.org/find-food/food-map