October 13, 2026 Newsletter
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - DEB
Deb Casey is our volunteer of the month for October.
Along with her regular shopping shifts and heading up and coordinating food drives, Deb frequently picks up bakery items donated by local stores and bakeries. She has also procured a constant source of donated gluten-free crackers. She has created another mission by delivering bakery and miscellaneous produce items left over at the end of the week to local transitional and residential rehabilitation programs.
Monthly Update
In September, we continued to see an increase in the number of families seeking food assistance with 17 new families (4 more than the 13 in August) and 35 new first-time guests. The average number of food requests per week rose from 309 to 315 and the total number of unique households who used the pantry in September was 446, up from 423 the previous month. The steady growth in orders challenged our volunteers as issues arose but they quickly adapted and the smooth flow of orders hardly missed a beat. We continue to be impressed and grateful for the can-do attitude and friendly manner that our volunteers bring to the pantry every week. It is a place where you can both help your neighbors in need and enjoy companionship in a friendly atmosphere while you work.
Volunteer Appreciation Brunch
On Sunday, October 4th our annual Volunteer Appreciation event was once again graciously hosted by Mary Jo and Bryce Anderson. About 90 pantry volunteers enjoyed a delicious luncheon in the Anderson's delightful garden - beautiful weather, gorgeous floral surroundings and very enjoyable camaraderie. Thank you Mary Jo and Bryce, and a huge thank you to all our wonderful and tireless volunteers. As Jane said at the event, "We couldn't do what we do as an organization without you!"
Lions Club Fall Food Drive at Market Basket on October 17
This enormously successful food drive takes place this Saturday, October 17, from 8 am to 2 pm at the Market Basket in Newburyport. As in prior years, shoppers can choose to purchase a pre-packaged bag of items most-needed by the Pantry for $20 or select items as they shop from a list provided. The food drive, run by the Lions with assistance from the Leos (a high school version of the Lions) has been a huge benefit to the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry as well as other local pantries for several years now. Please make a point to join in this Saturday!
Donation of Birthday Bags
The Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Club put together birthday bags for families who may not be able to host a child's birthday party. Each bag contained materials for a party for eight, including cake mix, frosting, table cloth, plates, napkins, party hats and 8 take home goody bags. Early in September, bags were distributed to our Ipswich and Rowley guests with young children.
As you identify clothing and household items for donation, please consider dropping them off at The Lighthouse Thrift Store, Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00-10:00am, at 126 Bridge Road, Salisbury. Your donation of items supports us and other social service organizations in the area.
Click on the link below for more information.
https://lighthousethrift.org/ways-to-support
LORETTA FUNDRAISER
Wednesday October 14, 2026 starting at 5PM
Our Loretta fundraiser continues... Wednesday, October 14th. 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 9:00 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, canned pasta with meat, baked beans, jelly, canned ham, spam, broths, and toilet paper.