October 7, 2025 Newsletter
SEPTEMBER UPDATE
We continue to see the need for food assistance grow. Despite there being only 4 Fridays in September, we averaged 320 requests per week vs. 314 in August. That makes 2 months of growth after we were flat at 308 orders per week in June and July. In total, we served 748 household members per week in September vs. 735 in August and 715 in July. September included 11 new households with 21 family members.
Of the 428 households who requested food in September, 70 (16.4%) requested food once, 74 (17.3%) twice, 75 (17.5%) three times and 209 (48.8%) every week. In total, we provided 5,477 bags of food, an average of 1,369 bags per week.
We distributed 50,231 pounds of food. Of that, 35% was donated by individuals, local businesses, Nourishing the North Shore or by schools. We purchased 8% locally and the remaining 57% was donated or purchased at a reduced rate from the Greater Boston Food Bank.
10th Annual Peter J Gomes Service Award
Last month Congressman Seth Moulton presented the 10th Annual Peter J Gomes Service Award to Jane Merrow. In an email announcement he said this about her:
"This year's winner of the Peter J Gomes Service Award is Jane Merrow of Newbury, co-founder of the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry. What began in 2015 with one person has grown under Janes leadership to serve more than 750 people a week across seven communities. She has built partnerships with schools, farms, and businesses, and in just the past yea alone, her rescued over 16,000 pounds of surplus food. Her work ensures families have access to fresh meals and students in nine schools have what they need to thrive."
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to you Jane, our tireless leader and friend.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Steve Baran
Steve Baran first connected with the pantry through the Newburyport Lions Club. After helping with food drives, fellow Lion Sue Coppinger encouraged him to volunteer directly. “Jane put me to work, and I felt like I was making a difference. So, I just kept coming back.”
Today, Steve is a proud double bagger who loves the camaraderie among volunteers. What inspires him most is the teamwork and flexibility he sees every week, as everyone comes together to serve the community.
Steve says the true reward is simple: being part of something that makes a real difference.
Want to join our incredible volunteer team? We’d love to have you! Learn more on our website: newburyfoodpantry.org
Feedback from a Volunteer : “A paradigm shift”...
That’s what I had when I was given the job I volunteered for at a wonderful organization: The Newbury Food Pantry. I was assigned to deliver groceries to the guests who ordered but do not have transportation.
On my first day I did not meet with anyone at the first few homes. However, my whole way of understanding this job and how it is done was about to change significantly when I pulled up to “Jane’s” house (not her real name). I knocked on the front door and was greeted by a gentle giant Golden Retriever. As I put down the few bags of groceries, Jane appeared. Her eyes were filled with tears and in a quiet voice said: “I can’t believe this is happening”. She just looked at me for a moment and then told me that less than two years ago, she owned a four-bedroom colonial home in Boxford. Jane added that her business had failed, her husband left her and she had recently broken several bones due to osteoporosis. This poor woman’s life had been turned upside down in a short period of time.
As I drove to my next stop, I realized I could easily be in her position. We all could.
My volunteer viewpoint had a paradigm shift. Delivering to people like Jane is a privilege.
Events
3rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event
Once again, Mary Jo and Bryce Anderson generously hosted our 3rd annual volunteer appreciation dinner. The day's weather was spectacular as well as the attendance by so many of our fellow volunteers. As people arrived around 4PM, each was handed a raffle ticket for a very special surprise presentation by Jane. After everyone had socialized and eaten, the raffle began. The raffle numbers were called out, and each ticket holder was presented with a beautifully printed Certificate of Appreciation signed by Jane.
Lastly, volunteers wanted to recognize Jane's tireless support and thoughtfulness for all pantry volunteers and contributed funds for a gift for her. The painting of the haystacks on the Newbury marsh was purchased for Jane with those contributions. The painting is by Mary Ann Varoski, a Newbury artist living on Plum Island.
Lion's Club Food Drive
On Saturday, October 4 the Lions Club held another food drive outside Market Basket in Newburyport. The LEOs, Lions Club's young up-and-coming members, worked the event. They packed $20 bags of groceries to be purchased by customers on the go. This effort resulted in a collection of 2,513 lbs of food for the pantry, plus cash donations of $986.
A great effort by all involved, and a special thanks again to our volunteer and Lions Club member Sue Coppinger for organizing.
LORETTA FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, October 8, 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.