The Salem Pantry Expands Work With Local Vendors, Diverse Food Options

SALEM, MA — The Salem Pantry has expanded its use of local vendors and its ability to provide diverse food options with the help of support funding through the state Department of Agricultural Resources Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

The Salem Pantry was one of 16 organizers funded through the program that aims to support
socially disadvantaged farmers and producers in delivering food to underserved communities.

This funding enables the pantry to supply locally sourced produce, eggs, dairy, and protein to over 3,600 families every month, and has allowed them to directly purchase from seven new vendors.

"Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and eggs are often hard to access through pantry programs," states Robyn Burns, The Salem Pantry's Executive Director. "Our partnership with MDAR and our local farming community allows for us to more consistently provide healthy produce options for pantry guests and support our local farming economy, at the same time."

The funding has also improved the pantry’s ability to offer a variety of culturally relevant foods.

"Working with The Salem Pantry has been a milestone for us," said Freddy Pina, owner of Bright Oasis Farm, "as it aligns with our goal to nourish communities in need through healthy food. The pantry's approach deeply resonated with me and reinforced my commitment to this partnership."

The Salem Pantry is seeking additional support from donors and corporate sponsors to maintain these efforts beyond the current funding period.

The food purchased through this program is distributed at 11 mobile pantry sites and at The Market, The Salem Pantry’s main location.

In July 2024, 3,515 households visited these sites 8,540 times, highlighting the growing need and impact of the pantry's services.

(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.)

*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.