New Hampshire Workers Affected by Government Shutdown Can Get Relief From Dover Community

It came to him while he was on the treadmill.  Matt Airey called his brother Ben and said, "We have to help."  And so, the Community Food Blessing Drive was born.  The first one is going to be on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

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New Hampshire Residents Having a Hard Time Paying Bills

The Government shutdown is affecting families throughout New England, not just people in New Hampshire.  People haven't received paychecks for weeks now and they are having trouble with keeping food on the table.

Matt and Ben Airey, the new owners of the Harvey's Bakery building in Downtown Dover, New Hampshire came up with an idea to help Seacoast families of workers on unpaid leave.

Introducing the Community Food Blessing Drive, Dover, NH

• Date:  October 25, 2025
• Time:  10a - 12noon
• Location:  Old Harvey's Bakery Building, 376 Central Avenue, Dover, NH
• Who Receives the Benefit:  Seacoast families of workers on leave without pay

The Airey brothers are asking, if you are able, to donate $10 in non perishable food.  This small act can make a big difference.

Matt Airey had this to say:

With enough small acts of generosity, we can feed a lot of families, fast.  Nearly 30% of seacoast families live paycheck to paycheck.    This is an opportunity to help where help is needed.

The brothers reached out to a few seacoast businesses, 75 Broadway Laundromat, Dover Mini-Mart, The Nook, David Greene, Esq., the Indian Culture Center, just to name a few and they have already made generous donations.

Ben Airey had this to say:

It’s amazing to see the community come together....  Let’s show the World, the seacoast of NH knows one language and that’s love.

The food they are asking for is anything you can give.  Non perishable food items like rice, pasta, canned proteins, baby formula, shelf-stable milk and hygiene products are especially needed.

Distribution of the food will go directly to the families in need directly affected by pay interruptions, with pick up during the event hours while supplies last.  So, if you've been affected and you need help, just show up.  No barriers, help is going to be right there for you.  Any extra food left over will be given to the House of Hope food pantry.