FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Salem Pantry Distributes Over 2,000 Thanksgiving Meals
Families Receive Turkey or Whole Chicken Along with Holiday Essentials
Salem, MA (November 25, 2024) – The Salem Pantry provided Thanksgiving essentials, including a full-sized turkey or whole chicken, to over 2,000 families across the North Shore. Families visited The Market to collect their main course options and shop for other groceries including fresh produce, pantry staples, eggs, and milk to complete their holiday meals.
“We know that the holidays are a potentially vulnerable time for many in our community,” states The Salem Pantry’s Executive Director, Robyn Burns. “While food insecurity is a year-round issue, November is always the busiest month of the year for our programs and we are working hard to meet this community need.”
Each year, The Salem Pantry sees a surge in families seeking support during the holiday season. In 2024, the pantry served more people than ever, prompting them to prepare for an even larger holiday rush. With the help of donors, volunteers, and community partners, they were able to meet the increased demand.
Turkeys and chickens were sourced from The Greater Boston Food Bank, Gordon Foods, and other vendors. The Salem Pantry was one of 12 community partners to receive a share of $180,000 in Gratitude Grants from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, aimed at supporting families in the community during the holiday season.
In addition to The Market, The Salem Pantry served another 700 families through mobile pantry sites in Salem, Lynn, Marblehead, and Swampscott during the week before Thanksgiving.
This week’s distribution reflects the growing number of people seeking support, a trend expected to continue through the end of the year.
To support The Salem Pantry during the holiday season, visit thesalempantry.org for more information on donation and volunteer opportunities.
About The Salem Pantry
The Salem Pantry, recently named the 2024 Greater Boston Food Bank Community Partner of the Year, provides the North Shore with convenient access to fresh, free, healthy food. Its innovative mobile pantries, home delivery program, food distribution hub, and The Market offer abundant produce, proteins, spices, and dairy products. They partner with local farmers and health organizations to serve over 3,600 households and distribute over 300,000 pounds of food per month.