August 13, 2025 Newsletter
JULY UPDATE
July was a 3-week month, as we were closed on Friday, the 4th for a much appreciated break. Requests for food assistance averaged 308 requests per week, the same as in June. However, the average number of people served per week was 715 people, down from 739 per week in June. The drop is most likely due to families with children traveling during their school’s summer vacation.
With the vegetable growing season in full swing, our guests have had a wider selection of fresh vegetables from which to choose. The larger assortment filled more bags per week. Despite serving fewer people, the average number of bags distributed per week increased from 1,294 bags in June to 1,351 in July.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
David Levine
After supporting food insecurity through his employer’s charity program for years, David began volunteering at Our Neighbors’ Table. When he retired three years ago, he stepped up to join the team at Newbury Food Pantry — and has been a key part of it ever since.
David spends Fridays bagging groceries for delivery and Thursdays prepping the mountains of paper and plastic bags needed to keep operations running.
One of his most memorable realizations? Just how complex and coordinated the pantry operation truly is. “It wasn’t until I saw the Thursday setup that I realized how much planning it takes. Jane’s leadership and ability to mobilize volunteers is truly remarkable.”
What continues to surprise him is the growing need in such an affluent area — and how powerfully the community responds.
David’s advice: “Your help matters at any level. A few hours or a few dollars may not seem like much, but it all makes a difference.”
Join David and be part of the impact. Email info@newburyfoodpantry.org to get started.
Essex Ensemble Concert at Maudslay Arts Center
Saturday September 6, 4-6pm
Bring your picnic and settle in for a wonderful evening of music provided by members of some of Boston's finest and most beloved orchestras while knowing you are supporting the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry's efforts to reduce food insecurity in our surrounding communities. The concert will be directed by local resident, oboist, and pantry volunteer, Andrew Price, and includes top tier musicians who perform with some of Boston’s extraordinary orchestras.
The Essex Ensemble, will perform on Saturday, September 6, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Maudslay Arts Center, situated within Maudslay State Park at 95 Curzon Mill Rd, Newburyport. Reserved table seats are $50 per person and private tables can be reserved for the number of people in your party. Lawn tickets (bring your own blanket or chair) are $30. Children under 12 are free.
Whether you choose to sit at a patio table or on a blanket under the stars, every seat offers excellent acoustics. All proceeds from the event will benefit the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry. Patrons are encouraged to bring a picnic. There will be non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and desserts available for sale. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Parking at Maudslay Arts Center is limited to vehicles with handicapped stickers. Regular parking is at the main Maudslay State Park lot. Ushers will be on hand to direct you.
To purchase tickets go to www.newburyfoodpantry.org/events and follow the link to Eventbrite or go directly to Eventbrite: https://FoodPantryConcert.eventbrite.com
Yankee Homecoming Events
Generations of Giving 2025 : Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
On July 30th, the Pantry was recognized at the Yankee Homecoming Volunteer Recognition Ceremony held at the Newburyport Senior/Community Center. Pictured above is our very own volunteer and board member Barbara Fernald who was nominated to receive an award for her commitment and dedication to the Panty. Pictured to the right of Barbara is Chris Brown (with his mom) who is a Generations of Giving volunteer and recognition recipient.
Separately, Chris Brown and his brother Justin have a business called Sand & Flag (https://sandandflag.com/). They sold their merchandise during Yankee Homecoming and donated their proceeds to the food panty. Jane Merrow stands with Chris and Justin when they presented her with two checks, one for $1,000 for the pantry, and the other for $215, which will go to the Pet Fund.
The Pantry joined more than 50 organizations at a Yankee Homecoming Know Your Community event also at the Newburyport Senior Center. In the course of four hours about 250 people visited various organizations' tables. We asked visitors if they knew anybody who needed food and more than a dozen people replied "yes" and took information on how the Pantry works and the number to call to register to get food. Yes, there is still hunger in our community.
Farmer's Market Update
Since it began in mid-June, our free farmer's market has been a delightful source of fresh produce for our pick-up guests. Over the past six weeks, 243 guests have enjoyed browsing and selecting their produce.
Eagle Scout Distribution
Being an Eagle Scout, that most Boy Scouts aspire to be, is a commitment to community service. On Friday, August 1, Newburyport Scouts set up shop along the driveway behind the First Parish Church greeting guests as they arrived to pick up their food orders. They handed out 50 emergency kits to some of our guests that included a bottle of water, a flashlight, soap, candles, matches and other essentials one might need in an emergency. Our guests were very grateful.
Thank you to the Newburyport Boy Scout Troop.
New Handwashing Station
Patty Doggett, a regular volunteer, stands with her granddaughter Lilly next to our new handwashing station. Patty played a big role in helping us procure the station. Thank you Patty!
LORETTA FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 starting at 5PM
Our Loretta fundraiser continues… Wednesday, June 11. 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.
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.
Our most requested items include Coffee, Tea, Flour, Sugar, Baking Mixes, Cereals, Pasta Sides, Jello and Pudding Mixes, Jelly, Broths, Soups, and Toilet Paper.