October 9, 2024 Newsletter
September Update
In September, our volunteers served an average of 294 guests requesting food assistance each week. The average guest household has 2.5 members and visited the pantry 2.9 times during the month. Our dedicated and efficient volunteers picked and packed 5,304 bags of much needed food totaling 46,747 lbs. In total, they were able to assist 2,924 people in our 8 neighboring communities.
Widespread community support is what makes the food pantry work. In September, we received 135 food donations. Our dedicated volunteers pick up food donations from local businesses and schools 7 days a week. These donations, in addition to food drives and neighbors who drop off food on Thursdays provided 15,449 lbs. of food, 1/3 of all the food we distributed. An additional 8% of the food we delivered was purchased from local grocery stores. The remaining 58% was provided by the Greater Boston Food Bank, some of which is free and the remainder at a very nominal cost.
One of the things that distinguishes our pantry is the breadth of items we are able to provide. Each week, our guests are able to select from over 400 items. Because we use an online ordering system, if a neighbor or business donates 1 of an item like pickle relish or fruit loops which we have previously set up on our system, someone who needs that item will be able to order it. We maintain a list of essential food items that guests can always order. However, we have over 1,300 items setup on our system so that if they are donated, a guest will be able to order it. Nothing that is donated goes to waste.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT : MEET SOREN RICHELSON
Soren Richelsen first got involved with the pantry in 2020, when he heard a few extra hands were needed due to the increased demand during the lockdown. One of his favorite memories is from May 2022, when the entire team moved the pantry to a new building in just 24 hours. After a full day of operations, volunteers packed, loaded, and rebuilt everything—a true testament to teamwork and dedication!
Why volunteer? Soren says, "It's incredibly rewarding, and you’ll meet people from all walks of life, each bringing their own unique skills and energy."
Join Soren and our team! Email info@newburyfoodpantry.org to make a difference today.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 OPEN HOUSE
On Sunday, September 29 we held an Open House to celebrate the completion of our new addition. We had a strong turnout from community members, elected officials, other invited guests, and new and current volunteers. Attendees had the opportunity to tour our new addition (photo of interior above) and learn more about the impactful work we do. Our volunteers served delicious refreshments.
Our volunteers also made the totem pole pictured to illustrate the work we do 7 days a week.
OCTOBER 5TH, 2024 VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
On Saturday October 5, our annual Volunteer Appreciation event was once again hosted by Mary Jo and Bryce Anderson in their delightful backyard garden area, overlooking the marsh, with a view out to Plum Island. Dinner was provided by Pomodori restaurant. The owner, Peter, visited the pantry with Mary Jo last Friday and was so impressed by our volunteers’ efforts he decided to donate the dinner for Saturday evening’s event. A BIG thank you to the Anderson’s for their continued generosity and to Pomodori. We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to socialize with our volunteer colleagues and enjoy the beautiful garden venue.
FOOD DRIVES
Olive's Coffee & Bakehouse, at 341 High St. is having their annual food drive to benefit the pantry, from now through the end of October. Their hours are: Monday-Friday 6am - 3pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-1pm.
On Saturday, October 19, 2024 the Lions Club will hold a Food Drive at Market Basket from 9:00AM-3:00PM. For $20 each, anyone can buy a pre-packaged bag of groceries to donate to the First Parish Church Food Pantry.
Our Loretta fundraiser will be on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Starting at 5 pm, Loretta will donate part of the proceeds to the Pantry. Plan on dinner out (take out or eat in). You'll see a lot of familiar faces as the community turns out to support our work. We suggest that you make reservations in advance.
Vintage Vino Event
Next Vintage Vino Event to benefit the pantry is November 19, 2024:
You can register at: Tom@vintagevino.org - please forward to family and friends!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
As our work has expanded to help more neighbors in our community, our need for volunteers has increased. Volunteer opportunities include calling our guests to take their orders on Wednesday, staffing four shifts throughout the day on Friday to fulfill grocery orders for our guests, and assisting in the occasional Food Drive or other special projects on Saturdays.
Here is what our volunteers are saying:
"It’s a real pleasure to work in concert with such friendly, organized people. I loved the fast pace and the way the hours raced by."
"Such an awesome organization. So glad to be a part of this community effort."
"I really enjoy volunteering with you and everyone else at the pantry. It's such important work for the community and everyone is so welcoming and kind."
Come join us! Email Barbara at info@newburyfoodpantry.org to let her know you are interested.
FOOD DONATIONS
We accept food donations every Thursday from 9:30 am -1 pm. If you are not able to drop off at that time, please contact us at info@newburyfoodpantry.org or call 978-358-1077 to arrange another time.