July 14, 2026 Newsletter
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Meet our Bread Pick-up Team
Alison and Bay; Susan and Russ (and Woody and Dash), and Rachel
Soren and his car from a recent bread pick-up; Laura, Kathie and Jim
Bryce and Patty
Hannah and Steve
Not pictured are: MaryJo, Jack, Carol and Jim, Christa, Rachel's husband Frank, and Deb.
Every day of the week, a dedicated team of volunteers from the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry collects leftover bakery products from local markets to help serve our community. These donations include a wide variety of items such as all kinds of bread, assorted muffins, donuts, pies, and cakes, including special occasion cakes that bring extra joy to our guests.
The collection process begins with our volunteers picking up empty bread boxes from the pantry, then they visit local markets like Shaw’s in both Ipswich and Newburyport, as well as Middle Street Foods, among others. At the markets, they fill the boxes with quality leftover bread products that would otherwise go to waste. Once the boxes are full, the volunteers transport them back to the pantry, where the products are carefully frozen in preparation for the next pantry day.
Our guests place their orders on Wednesday and Thursday, specifying their preferred bread products if they are available. On Friday morning, Steve and Hannah take on the crucial task of sorting through all the collected goods. They ensure that the shelves are well-stocked and organized for that day’s shopping.
The collaboration between our volunteers and partners is invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions and generosity. Thank you to this dedicated group for their hard work and commitment to making a difference in our community!
Monthly Update
Friday was another testament to the dedication and teamwork of our volunteers. After a few “slow” weeks in June, we went from 295 requests for food assistance on the 26th to 326 on Friday the 10th. Our Shoppers, Baggers, Loaders, Drivers, Re-stockers as well as those staffing the Bread, Produce and Pet Food stations handled the extra 31 requests with remarkable efficiency. It is inspiring to see the welcoming and friendly environment and teamwork that our volunteers create every week to serve our mission of addressing food insecurity among our neighbors.
In June, we distributed 40,538 lbs. of healthy food, including fresh produce, frozen meats and over 400 other food choices. We were fortunate to receive 12,748 lbs. of donated food which was checked, sorted and stocked on our shelves. Of the food we distributed, 31.4% was donated by individuals or picked up from local businesses. We purchased 12% of the food from local grocery stores. Of the 56% that was provided by the Greater Boston Food Bank, it was either purchased at a reduced rate or was provided at no cost.
The Free Farmers Market Is Open
This is Barbara, our fearless produce leader.
The Lighthouse Thrift Store
As you identify clothing and household items for donation, please consider dropping them off at The Lighthouse Thrift Store. They accept donations from 8:30 am to 10 am Tuesday through Sunday at the store at 125 Bridge Road, Salisbury. Your donation of items to Lighthouse Thrift Store support us and other social service organizations in the area.
LORETTA FUNDRAISER
2nd Wednesday of Every Month starting at 5PM
Our Loretta fundraiser continues... the 2nd Wednesday of every month. 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.
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. You can also drop off donations in the lobby of the Newbury Police Department 24 hours/day.
Our most requested items include Coffee, Tea, Flour, Sugar, Baking Mixes, Cereals, Jello and Pudding Mixes, Jelly, Canned Ham, Spam, Broths, and Toilet Paper.