The Salem Pantry believes in working collaboratively to build food security on the North Shore. In line with this goal , they partner with seven local farm organizations to bring local produce to their guests.
“Everyone should have a right to access fresh, healthy produce,” said Robyn Burns, The Salem Pantry’s Executive Director. “We have made this a priority at The Salem Pantry, and we actively partner with our local farms to make this possible.”
These partnerships not only support The Salem Pantry’s guests, but the farms who grow the food. One partner making weekly deliveries from their farm in Beverly is New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, a program focused on training new farmers.
“New Entry Food Hub partners with Salem Pantry to make locally grown, fresh produce more accessible,” said New Entry’s Program Manager, Sara Poggi Davis. “This partnership not only makes healthy, fresh food available to more people, it also supports local, small-scale farming businesses and new farmers.”
In addition to New Entry, The Salem Pantry works with Mack Park Food Farm, Boston Area Gleaners, The Salem YMCA, Beverly Farms Gardens, The Food Project, and Newhall Fields Community Farms. The food is distributed as early as the same day it is received at The Market and Pop-Up Pantries throughout Salem.
In July, The Salem Pantry distributed over 17,000 pounds of local produce both purchased and donated from the farms. The food reached over 2200 households in Salem and on The North Shore.
Mack Park Food Farm
Mack Park Food Farm is a community-based farm managed by the City of Salem. Volunteers maintain, harvest, and deliver the locally grown produce to the pantry every week during the growing season.
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project is an initiative of Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy which is focused on training new farmers to produce food that is accessible to all.Boston Area Gleaners
Boston Area Gleaners is an organization focused on bridging food distribution gaps, reducing food waste, and supporting food insecure families. The Gleaners support The Salem Pantry by harvesting and packing surplus food from their farm in Groton, MA and various farms across Massachusetts.Salem YMCA Green Space
The Salem YMCA operates a small farm in the Point Neighborhood of Salem, working with local youth and community members.Beverly Farms Garden
Beverly Farms Garden is owned and operated by Beverly resident John Fallon. Fallon’s unique farm is located on a traffic island in Beverly and donates all its produce to The Salem Pantry and other local food pantries.The Food Project
With a belief in accessible healthy food, The Food Project operates over 70 acres of farmland throughout Northeast Massachusetts. The food is distributed through SNAP/HIP accessible farmer’s markets, neighborhood stores, The Salem Pantry and other hunger relief organizations.Newhall Fields Community Farms
Newhall Fields works to enhance food security by growing high quality affordable food in Peabody, Massachusetts. The Salem Pantry works with Newhall Fields to ensure this food is accessible to those who need it on the North Shore.About The Salem Pantry
The Salem Pantry provides the North Shore with convenient access to fresh, free, healthy food. Our innovative public pop-ups, home deliveries, and brick-and-mortar Market offer an abundant selection of produce, proteins, spices, and dairy products. We partner with local farmers and health organizations to nourish our community from the inside out.