November 11, 2025 Newsletter
OCTOBER UPDATE
October set records for both the number of requests for food assistance and the number of people we served. On the last Friday of October, we filled 363 requests, which was 13.5% more than the 320 we averaged per week in September. Despite the large increase in requests and a 20+ minute delay due to a false fire alarm and the arrival of 2 fire trucks while guests were picking up orders in their cars, our incredible volunteers rose to the occasion, adapted and quickly made up for lost time. We are repeatedly amazed by our volunteer’s camaraderie and can-do attitude, even under trying circumstances.
We also are inspired and grateful for the generosity of the communities we live in and serve. In response to news of the impending shutdown of food assistance programs and ongoing government shutdown, an amazing number of people from our community visited our website and used our Amazon Wish List to purchase food for the pantry. Others dropped off food or organized food drives. As a result, of the 65,403 lbs. of food we distributed in October, 45.8% was donated by the community. 49% was donated by or purchased from the Greater Boston Food Bank and 5.2% was purchased from local businesses.
In October we served 458 unique families (7% more than September) with 1,099 family members (a 10.7% increase). In total, we served 11% more adults, 19.5% more children and 4% more seniors.
Rising Need Amid SNAP Cuts and Federal Worker Pay Delays
Recent changes to federal assistance programs and ongoing delays in federal worker pay have caused a significant surge in demand at the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry. Changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits have left many families struggling to afford basic groceries, while federal employees facing weeks with no pay are increasingly turning to local resources for help. Our Pantry has seen an almost 11% increase in orders in the past two weeks. The immediate and generous response from our community has been very gratifying.
If you want to help your neighbors during this difficult time, there are several ways to get involved. Organizing a food drive within your neighborhood, workplace, or place of worship can make a substantial difference, ensuring the pantry shelves are stocked with essential items. Donating non-perishable food items, such hearty soups, rice side dishes and canned meats is always appreciated and goes directly to families in need. The Pantry strongly prefers that you donate a lot of one or two items instead of many different items. This minimizes the time our volunteers must take to inventory and shelve your donation.
In addition to food donations, financial contributions are vital for the pantry to purchase fresh produce and other items not available from donations and to respond quickly to changing needs. Volunteering to assist with the myriad of tasks necessary to keep our all-volunteer Pantry functioning effectively is another way to help. To learn more about how to contribute or get involved, contact the Food Pantry or visit our website www.newburyfoodpantry.org for specific guidelines and donation information.
By coming together as a community—holding food drives, donating food, offering financial support and volunteering —we can ensure that no family goes hungry, even in the face of federal program changes and employment uncertainty. Your generosity and commitment can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Larry and Nicole
...our early-bird setup dream team!
Larry joined the Newbury Food Pantry in early 2022 after retiring and looking for a way to give back. A few months later, he recruited his wife Nicole to join the Friday morning setup crew — the group that brings order to chaos before the doors even open.
“What continues to amaze me is how well the Pantry operates — it functions like clockwork thanks to incredible volunteers and leaders.” – Larry
“This isn’t your typical pantry. Clients can choose what they want, and the variety — especially the fresh local produce — is extraordinary.” – Nicole
Larry even invented a little contraption called “the Soren” (patent pending ) to make setting up the tents easier when help is short.
If you’re an early riser who loves good company and a bit of friendly banter, the setup crew would love to have you. Not a morning person? There are plenty of other ways to get involved throughout the week!
Come join us — you’ll love it.
Email Barbara at info@newburyfoodpantry.org to learn more.
Events
The Hancock Street Hangout block party collected cash donations totaling $2,329 plus 411 pounds of food for the pantry.
Pictured here are: Deb Zoltai, Jane Merrow, Rachael Heffernan, Peter Zoltai, Dan Reilly and Richard Lodge.
A big thanks goes to the Hancock Street friends and neighbors!!
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Currently we have more than 20 Food Drives and Events taking place now and throughout the season.
REFLECTIONS
Please read the heartfelt insights shared by our dedicated volunteer, Peter Erickson, [click here to read]: Reflections
We hope his thoughts motivate you to get involved and make a difference! Enjoy!
LORETTA FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 starting at 5PM
Our Loretta fundraiser continues… Wednesday, August 13. 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.