Community Action Partnership of Strafford County Launches 2025 Thanksgiving Meal Basket Program

The Community Action Partnership of Strafford County (CAPSC) is gearing up for its annual Thanksgiving Meal Basket Program, aiming to support families facing financial challenges this holiday season.

 

As of mid-November, more than 950 families have registered to receive a meal basket designed to feed a family of four.

 

In previous years, the program has served between 750 and 850 families.

 

This year, CAPSC plans to distribute up to 1,000 baskets to meet the increasing community needs.

 

Unlike many other CAPSC initiatives, the Thanksgiving Basket Program has no prerequisites.

 

Families simply need to complete a request form to receive a basket.

 

Once registered, families are also eligible for a Holiday Meal Basket, distributed at the end of December.

 

Each basket includes traditional holiday meal items such as canned vegetables, stuffing and gravy mixes, dessert mixes, and cranberry sauce.

 

To ensure a complete meal, baskets also contain grocery store gift cards, allowing families to purchase a protein of their choice.

 

Local businesses have stepped up to support the program.

 

D.F. Richard Energy has pledged $15,000 to sponsor the Thanksgiving and Holiday Food Basket Programs, enabling CAPSC to purchase essential items like gift cards and food supplies.

 

Additionally, the Seacoast Charter School contributed over 1,800 pounds of food, providing specific items for the baskets.

 

Despite these generous donations, the need for additional support remains high.

 

To address this, CAPSC has organized a food drive at the Rochester Hannaford on Milton Road on November 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Employees and volunteers will be on-site, encouraging shoppers to donate Thanksgiving-specific items such as canned or fresh vegetables, stuffing and gravy mixes, and dessert mixes.

 

An additional food drive is planned for December 6, at the same location and time, to collect food for the Holiday Food Baskets.

 

Once assembled, the Thanksgiving Baskets will be distributed at the CAPSC Main Outreach Office in Dover, located at 577 Central Avenue, on the following dates:

 

• Thursday, November 20, from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

 

• Friday, November 21, from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

 

• Monday, November 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

For more information about the Thanksgiving and Holiday Food Basket Programs, visit the CAPSC website.

 

FAQ

 

How can I register to receive a Thanksgiving Meal Basket?

 

Families can register by completing a request form available on the CAPSC website or by visiting the CAPSC Main Outreach Office in Dover.

 

What items are most needed for donation?

 

CAPSC is seeking donations of canned or fresh vegetables, stuffing and gravy mixes, dessert mixes, and other traditional holiday meal items.

 

Where can I drop off my food donations?

 

Donations can be dropped off at the Rochester Hannaford on Milton Road during the scheduled food drives or at the CAPSC Main Outreach Office in Dover during business hours.