SALEM, MA — The Salem Pantry has expanded its use of local vendors and ability to offer a diverse menu with the help of funding from the state Department of Agricultural Resources’ Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

The Salem Pantry was one of 16 organizers funded by the program, which aims to
socially disadvantaged farmers and producers in supplying food to underserved communities.

These funds enable the pantry to provide more than 3,600 families with local produce, eggs, dairy and protein each month and has enabled them to purchase directly from seven new suppliers.

“Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and eggs are often difficult to obtain through pantry programs,” explains Robyn Burns, executive director of The Salem Pantry. “Our partnership with MDAR and our local farming community allows us to regularly offer healthy produce to our pantry guests while supporting our local agriculture industry.”

The funding also enabled the pantry to offer a wider selection of culturally relevant foods.

“Partnering with The Salem Pantry was a milestone for us,” said Freddy Pina, owner of Bright Oasis Farm, “as it aligns with our goal of providing healthy food to communities in need. The Pantry’s approach touched me deeply and strengthened my commitment to this partnership.”

The Salem Pantry seeks additional support from donors and corporate sponsors to sustain these efforts beyond the current funding period.

Food purchased through this program is distributed at 11 mobile pantry locations and at the Market, the Salem Pantry’s main location.

In July 2024, 3,515 households visited these locations 8,540 times, underscoring the growing need and impact of the pantry’s services.

(Scott Souza is Patch’s field editor for Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

*Patch has partnered with Feeding America to raise awareness for the millions of Americans who are hungry. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat in 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

This is a nonprofit patch project; Feeding America receives 100% of donations.

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