Salem Pantry's Shelf To Table Event Raises $70K To Fight Hunger

SALEM, MA — Shelf to Table, the first major fundraising event of the Salem Pantry, raised more than $70,000 to help fight food insecurity in the city and across the North Shore.

The night dedicated to expanding possibilities through fresh, healthy food was held at Ledger on April 10 with a meal prepared by head chef Chef Daniel Gursha, highlighting the wide range of food available to the pantry, including fresh produce, proteins, dairy products, eggs, and pantry staples.

Money raised went to support the Salem Pantry's programming, including The Market brick-and-mortar location, mobile pantries and home delivery.

"I had the chance to go down to The Market and see all the delicious food The Salem Pantry offers," Chef Gursha said. "It was a super fun experience to design tonight's menu inspired by the fresh produce, dairy, and dry goods available."

State Rep. Manny Cruz (D-Salem) was the keynote speaker of the event, which drew more than 100 attendees.

"It's been amazing to have so many people from the community invest in making a difference around food insecurity," Salem Pantry Executive Director Robyn Burns said. "The work is far from over, and we cannot do it alone."

The event was made possible by local sponsors JJ Welch Construction, Institution for Savings, Brookline Bank, Merry Fox Realty, Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital, Salem Harbor Station, Marblehead Bank, The Salem Inn, Crowley, Spire, Tinti & Navins, PC, Salem State University, and Groom Construction.

In 2023, The Salem Pantry served 6510 households made up of over 19,900 members of the local community, distributing over two million pounds of food.

Those interested in volunteering with The Salem Pantry are encouraged to visit here.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations.

Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)