Jessica Switzer has been involved with Our Neighbors’ Table as a Spoon Platoon Member since before the pandemic. She started volunteering here in September as a way to further support her neighbors, while setting a good example for her children. “I have a 10 year old and a 12 year old. I want them to see that their parents are doing good because then they will grow up to do good..” Jessica is a staple of our evening Grocery Packer position, where she pre packages grocery orders that are distributed by the Newburyport COA. The evening grocery packing group works together after hours, which has brought them closer together. “I’ve made a lot of friends here. It feels like a community and people are excited to see each other. We always have fun and we always get our job done.” When asked about her most memorable moment as a volunteer, Jessica shared a story about a community member coming in for a “food emergency” situation. She was blown away by the amount of care and consideration put into her well being. “There were questions asked such as ‘are you safe’ and ‘do you need food immediately?’ She left with a lot of food and knowledge about various offerings in our community.” Jessica grew up in the Metro Los Angeles area before moving to Newburyport about 15 years ago. While living in California, she started a charity group named “Hearts and Hands” which allowed highschool students to fulfill their community service requirements at school. The group would sort food donations for local pantries as a way of serving without being on site. Jessica is the Director of APAC Distributions at Cell Signaling Technologies. She has been with the company for over 20 years and currently serves as the chair of the Community Grants Program, which oversees their staff volunteer efforts. During the last week of February, Jessica and her coworkers have a conference in Singapore, where they will also be volunteering at a food pantry! Outside of work, Jessica enjoys cooking, riding her bike around town, and traveling to learn about other cultures and perspectives. We are very fortunate to have volunteers like Jessica at ONT!
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Thanksgiving Dinner Provided to 1039 Households! I hope you're reading this issue of Table Talk after enjoying quality time with your loved ones this Thanksgiving. Whether with family, friends or neighbors, we’ve all come to value quality time with one another more than ever. The last two and a half years taught us the power of community, the might of our village. Together we ensured that no one went hungry through the COVID-19 crisis. It will continue to take our entire village to ensure we catch those who continue to be impacted by rising costs and long-term effects of the pandemic. ONT is more committed than ever to move forward as a collective, bringing together our partners from schools, city departments, councils on aging and the community at-large to root out and address food insecurity across our region. Together, we have created a vision for what a food secure region looks like. Now, together we must set our strategic course and put the proper tools in place. Over the next two months you are going to hear from us that we need to hear from YOU. Whether you are a donor, a volunteer, a partner, or a neighbor; whether you have supported someone or you have directly experienced food insecurity, we need your input into our 3-year strategic plan. Mark your calendars and register now for our Community Forum, Tuesday, December 6, 5:30 at Newbury Elementary School. Click here to register You’ll also be hearing about the work that ONT and its Seacoast Food Provider partners are undertaking to ensure that our communities have robust food safety nets to catch anyone who needs it. Our Seacoast Regional Food Hub will provide critical shared infrastructure to grocery and meal programs across the Lower Merrimack Valley. Whether you can make a financial investment, give voice to those in need or spread the word among those who can help, you play a critical role in this Village bringing us closer to our goal of a Food Secure Region by 2029. You have my sincerest gratitude. Happy Holidays, Lyndsey Haight Executive Director Thank You for Attending the 2022 Annual Breakfast!Presented by: Institution for Savings “It Takes a Village” was the theme of ONT’s 2022 Annual Breakfast and we were thrilled to gather with our village of donors, volunteers and partners on the last Tuesday in October at Blue Ocean Event Center. The Annual Breakfast is ONT’s true celebration of the efforts of so many to create a food secure region. Dana Marshall returned as our Master of Ceremonies, and Board president Eve Lee presented the Community Champion Award to our fellow Seacoast Food Providers. These organizations are dedicated to our shared mission of ending food insecurity in Northeastern Essex County. Thank you to all of the sponsors and donors who helped raise a record breaking $97,000! Volunteer Spotlight: Licia BrittonLicia Britton has been an active member of Our Neighbors’ Table for almost 15 years. She has played a vital role in many programs including our Warehouse, Market, and Wednesday Meal. Most recently, she has been a mainstay of our Guest Ordering position, where she assists guests who are unable to place their orders online. Our “Outbound Callers” have been instrumental in increasing food accessibility to our guests without computers or smartphones. When asked about her tenure at ONT, Licia says “I have watched the organization grow and the number of people we serve has grown, which is great to see.” Her favorite thing about volunteering has been building relationships with our guests, many of which she considers to be her friends. Read more about Licia in this month’s Volunteer Spotlight. Before moving to Amesbury 15 years ago, Licia lived in New York. Her favorite borough is Manhattan because of the amount of things to do at once. She has a background in finance, and spent most of her career with Fidelity investments. Outside of volunteering, Licia is usually working on her house. She also loves cooking and gardening. Licia is a longtime member of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Newburyport and loves it! Thank you Licia, for your continued support towards ONT and the personal touch you offer our guests with every phone call. We appreciate you! How to Help During the HolidaysThe season of giving is upon us! Our Neighbors’ Table services are only possible thanks to the village of volunteers, donors and community partners who make food security a priority. Here’s how you can help this holiday season:
News and Events
“It Takes a Village” was the theme of ONT’s 2022 Annual Breakfast and we were thrilled to gather with our village of donors, volunteers and partners on the last Tuesday of October at Blue Ocean Event Center. The Annual Breakfast is ONT’s true celebration of the efforts of so many to create a food secure region. Institution For Savings has consistently supported the event as our Presenting Sponsor. Dana Marshall returned as our Master of Ceremonies, and Board president Eve Lee presented the Community Champion Award to our fellow Seacoast Food Providers. These organizations are dedicated to our shared mission of ending food insecurity in Northeastern Essex County. Many programs offered by the Seacoast Food Providers are completely or nearly all volunteer run. Despite financial hurdles, a global pandemic, and a weakened volunteer core, these organizations persevered to ensure everyone in our community is given access to healthy food. Seacoast Food Providers: Pettengill House; Among Friends Meal Program; Newbury Food Pantry; Rowley Food Pantry; Georgetown Council on Aging; Salisbury Council on Aging; Merrimac Council on Aging; Groveland Council on Aging; Abundant Food Pantry (Georgetown); Community Action, Inc; Amesbury Council on Aging; Our Neighbors' Table Thank you to all of the sponsors and donors who helped raise a record breaking $97,000! As we look to the future, ONT was excited to unveil the developing Seacoast Food Hub project that will increase food security across the Lower Merrimack Valley. See you all next year! Thank you to our 2022 Champion SponsorsSteve BlanchetteSteve Blanchette is no stranger to positively impacting his community. He currently serves on the finance committee at Newburyport Bank, The Firehouse Center for the Arts, Immaculate Conception Parish, and the Saint Basil’s Salvatorian Center. In 2017, he was looking for ways to positively impact his community and began volunteering in ONT’s warehouse. Since then, he has been a cornerstone of our Wednesday Meal by generously donating his time and resources through the Sponsor & Serve program. He first started at the meal to get involved in the community and teach his sons about giving back. He mentioned the importance of “teaching the kids that not everything is about us all of the time. We are in a position to help and it's important that we do.” Steve believes in treating every guest as though they are dining at a 5 star restaurant. Steve grew up in Georgetown before attending Pennsylvania State University. After graduating, he began work with Alliance Bernstein in New York City and subsequently moved to Newburyport in 2003. In his free time, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and Golden Retriever. He also enjoys skiing and playing soccer. The ONT Market and Meal Sponsor & Serve opportunities offer a unique chance for group volunteer service with a financial commitment. When the “serve” portion of the program was interrupted in 2020, Steve decided to continue his sponsorship and make frequent donations to the Wednesday Meal. When asked about why he wanted to continue his involvement in the program, Steve said, “We weren’t sure where the world was going to be headed at the time and we did not want to leave our ONT community hanging." Steve encourages participating in Sponsor & Serve to support both the volunteers and guests. “You are helping people who are hungry and also helping people who give up so much time for ONT. There is no downside whatsoever.” Thank you for all of your support Steve! Entire Interview:When/why did you first serve at the meal?
Not exactly sure, We got involved with ONT prior to the pandemic. I have to give my wife credit as she was seeking ideas to get our family involved with volunteering in the community. We found it important to teach our boys community ideals, and learned to help through my business. We sponsored the last time it was available to sit down in person. It was a great experience and we were able to treat the guests like they were at a 5 star restaurant. I tried to maintain how much I was giving throughout the pandemic. No one knew what to do when covid started so we stayed in touch to make sure that we could help. I realized I wanted to commit to something more substantial. I met with Lesley to figure out what I could do moving forward. We were able to still sponsor the meals even though we weren't’ hosting in person. What did it mean to sponsor through the pandemic even when you couldn’t serve? We weren’t sure where the world was going to be headed at the time and we did not want to leave our ONT community hangings. What was it like to come back to serve in 2022? It was different but it was rewarding and we were grateful for the opportunity. We saw a volunteer named Nancy (Linda) and how much she knew everyone, we felt like our job was to support her and let her engage with the guests. It’s amazing to see how much goes into the program. What is your favorite part of serving the Wednesday Meal? I felt such a great feeling from what I was trying to show my kids, I felt like that were spending our time selflessly and teaching our kids the importance of being around a community of people that want to help. Everywhere else you go, people are in it for their personal gain. We wanted something local. What would you like to tell others who are thinking of participating in Sponsor & Serve? I feel like its a great opportunity to get involved with the community. It's active- it’s an easy way to do something really nice and help those who need it. Not only the people who are being fed, but also the people who are providing the food. The volunteers have varying schedules and being able to provide an extra hand was a great feeling. You are helping people who are hungry and also helping people who give up so much time for ONT. There is no downside whatsoever. The volunteers have done it a million times and can guide you through the process! About Steve 1. How long have you lived in the area? Since late 2003. Almost 20 years. 2. Where did you grow up? Georgetown MA, went to school in PA and came back in 2003 3. How long have you been volunteering? Probably around 2017/2018 in the warehouse and started the Wednesday Meal right before the pandemic. 4. What do you love about volunteering? I love doing things like that with my family, feeling like we are doing something important and teaching the kids that not everything is about us all of the time. We are in a position to help and it's important that we do. Also, I love what I do for work but I like focusing on other things that don’t include me. I specifically enjoy making people feel at home when they come to ONT and reassure them that there isn’t anything wrong with shopping. Please share a memorable moment. It meant a lot to the guests to see young faces and treat everyone like they are at a 5 star restaurant. I remember a lot of nice smiles and grateful people. I also remember some people struggling and being able to help them carry things to their car. It felt good to go the extra step for people. 8. What do/did you do for a living? I am a financial planner, private wealth advisor, and owner of The Blanchette Financial Group, Inc. After a long career in the financial planning world, I knew I wanted to offer something beyond what the bigger firms delivered, personal touch and a real connection with my clients. I work diligently to help clients and their families achieve their very specific and unique financial goals. 9. What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies? I love skiing with my family. I play men’s league soccer and I try my best to support the community. Spend time with my family and try to stay active. My dog is always in my shadow. 10. Are you involved in any other volunteer activities? My boys are getting older and I am trying to be with them as best I can before they go off to school. I've had to be a bit more selective with my time. He currently serves on the finance committee at Newburyport Bank, The Firehouse Center for the Arts, Immaculate Conception Parish, and the Saint Basil’s Salvadorian Center. Need is on the Rise Again
ANNUAL BREAKFAST |
Presented by: | Join us for ONT's Annual Breakfast at Blue Ocean Event Center in Salisbury, MA! Tickets and Sponsorships are now available. See you there! |
Volunteer Spotlight- Steve Blanchette
Read more about Steve Blanchette Here
The ONT Market and Meal Sponsor & Serve opportunities offer a unique chance for group volunteer service with a financial commitment. When the “serve” portion of the program was interrupted in 2020, Steve decided to continue his sponsorship and make frequent donations to the Wednesday Meal. When asked about why he wanted to continue his involvement in the program, Steve said, “We weren’t sure where the world was going to be headed at the time and we did not want to leave our ONT community hanging." Steve and his family have returned to serve in 2022 and encourage participating in Sponsor & Serve to support both the volunteers and guests. Click this link to learn more about Sponsor and Serve!
Darling Consulting volunteers after their Market Sponsorship. | Sponsor and Serve DetailsWednesday Meal: 2 - 4 sponsor volunteers help package up to-go meals and pass them out the guests. Available Wednesdays from 3pm - 5pm. Amesbury Market: 4-6 sponsor volunteers help pack the customized grocery orders for guests. Available Thursdays - Saturdays for 2.5 to 4 hour shifts, timing based on the day. Sponsorship Cost: starting at $500 Next Steps: Interested in scheduling your meal or market sponsorship date? visit https://www.ourneighborstable.org/group-opportunities.html to learn more or to get your preferred date booked. |
Bring on Summer! Grocery Program is a Lifeline
News & Events
Welcome to our New Staff! ONT has recently welcomed a few new members to the team since January: Dan Brinkman, Office Operations Manager; Joanne Barnes, Director of Finance/HR; Nic Popoli, Warehouse Assistant; Brendan Burke, Associate Director of Supply Chain & Logistics; and Ben Quintal, Community Engagement Coordinator. They each play an important role in ONT’s mission to achieve food security in our region and we are so grateful to have them on the team! We’re still growing. If you’d like to join our team, visit ourneighborstable.org/jobopportunities. | ONT Ambassadors Hit the Streets With safety guidelines in place, ONT is excited to be back out in the community hosting tables at our favorite events! Thanks to those who came to learn more about ONT at the Amesbury Block Party, the Amesbury, Newburyport and Salisbury Farmers’ Markets, Yankee Homecoming, and the Car Show! See you at the next event! | Local Leaders Deepen their Efforts Through ONT’s Food Security Advisory Group, our local superintendents, mayors, councils on aging and health providers have made food access a priority across the region. This leadership helped mobilize every sector at the outset of COVID. This year, leaders are ensuring their teams are informed and equipped to recognize and respond to food insecurity. |
Before moving to Kingston, New Hampshire, Dee lived in South Hampton for 45 years. She grew up in Maplewood, NJ and went to College in Connecticut where she met her husband. Dee was a pediatric medical assistant in Haverhill and used to play tennis and garden. Now, she enjoys playing pickle ball in Florida during the winter, taking walks, and travelling.
To the many people joining Our Neighbors’ Table now, 30 years after its founding, Dee Morse wants you to know that ONT is still serving the community and beyond. “The organization fulfills its mission and follows its heart with staff and volunteers who are wonderful to be around.” She enjoys the connections she has maintained with people she served over the years as their lives change. In one instance, a little boy receiving a prepared meal wanted to give ONT his birthday money so he could help someone else. Dee loves that she is part of providing food security to thousands of people.
Thank you, Dee Morse, our 2013 Community Champion, for all you have done for the community and for Our Neighbors’ Table.Dee Morse has been a great influence to Our Neighbors’ Table as the organization evolved over the years. Joining in the early 1990’s when her friend asked her to draw a logo, she is still here 30 years later because she “just hasn’t been able to let go of ONT.” When asked to reflect on her almost 30-year commitment to the organization she said, “ONT has changed drastically over the years. We started in the Church with 8 people volunteering at the Meal and a table of canned goods that we called a food pantry. Now look at it!” She continued, “There is a warehouse full of food, [the organization] has its own building, and there are employees!” While Dee was on the board, the organization decided they needed to staff an Executive Director. Dee says, “The best decision we ever made was to hire Lyndsey Haight for the job. She has done such amazing things for this organization and the community.”
Before moving to Kingston, New Hampshire, Dee lived in South Hampton for 45 years. She grew up in Maplewood, NJ and went to College in Connecticut where she met her husband. Dee was a pediatric medical assistant in Haverhill and used to play tennis and garden. Now, she enjoys playing pickle ball in Florida during the winter, taking walks, and travelling.
To the many people joining Our Neighbors’ Table now, 30 years after its founding, Dee Morse wants you to know that ONT is still serving the community and beyond. “The organization fulfills its mission and follows its heart with staff and volunteers who are wonderful to be around.” She enjoys the connections she has maintained with people she served over the years as their lives change. In one instance, a little boy receiving a prepared meal wanted to give ONT his birthday money so he could help someone else. Dee loves that she is part of providing food security to thousands of people.
Thank you, Dee Morse, our 2013 Community Champion, for all you have done for the community and for Our Neighbors’ Table.
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Food Supply Challenges Return to ONT
But today, we are feeling the pinch. Ongoing labor challenges for our partners are impacting the logistics of accessing food in our network. Consequently, ONT is faced with purchasing those foods that our guests need and value most – meats, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables – and to put our trucks on the road more to find the food all at the same increased costs affecting everyone else. We are committed to maintaining our Market standards – ensuring every person who shops has access to a wide variety of product and can access the quantity they need to feed everyone in their household. As we have throughout our 30 years, we’ll get creative and call on our partners and on you to pitch in where you can. As we head into Summer and prepare for the surge of families relying on us in the absence of school meals, will you pitch in? Every $1, even with today’s inflation, still affords us a meal’s worth of groceries for our guests.
Ever wonder what distinguishes ONT’s Markets from your traditional food pantry? The first distinction is the shopping experience. Every guest is welcome to shop like they do in a traditional grocery store, wandering the aisles at their own pace, pushing along a shopping cart, and selecting the products they prefer and taking the quantity they need to meet their needs. Unlike a traditional grocery store, all of the products are provided free of charge.
Second, the food offered is driven by the requests and needs of our guests (like businesses use customer research and feedback to design their products). In order for ONT to meet our free grocery store standards and wear our “ONT Market” brand, the storefront must offer at a minimum, our standard product menu. The specific foods within each standard category are selected to cater to that Market’s customers’ requests.
ONT’s Market Standards:
- At least three fresh fruit options
- At least six fresh vegetable options
- At least one type of meat
- At least one type of bread
- A variety of at least 16 different non-perishable items
- At least one roll of toilet paper along with an additional toiletry item
Sponsor and Serve Opportunities Now Available!
Darling Consulting volunteers after their recent Market sponsorship. | ONT's market and meal programs are still operating in a takeout model, but we are thrilled to welcome Sponsor and Serve volunteers back to help! This is a wonderful way to give back as a group and to support ONT with time and a donation. Wednesday Meal: 2 - 4 sponsor volunteers help package up to-go meals and pass them out the guests. Available Wednesday from 3pm - 5pm. Amesbury Market: 4 - 6 sponsor volunteers help pack customized grocery orders for guests. Available Wednesdays - Saturdays for 2.5 to 4 hour shifts, timing based on the day. Sponsorship Cost: starting at $500 Next Steps: Interested in scheduling your meal or market sponsorship date? Contact Maureen to learn more or to get your preferred date booked. |
ONT Turns 30! Building Food Security Then and Now
ONT's Summer Lunch Program is Back!
There is no additional registration needed to participate in the SLP. Every ONT family with children in their household will automatically have extra breakfast, lunch and snack items to add to their grocery order each week beginning June 14 through September 3. Families in our region who aren't current guests can register with ONT anytime on our website or call 978-388-1907 to start shopping weekly.
Volunteer Spotlight - Dee Morse
Before moving to Kingston, New Hampshire, Dee lived in South Hampton for 45 years. She grew up in Maplewood, NJ and went to College in Connecticut where she met her husband. Dee was a pediatric medical assistant in Haverhill and used to play tennis and garden. Now, she enjoys playing pickle ball in Florida during the winter, taking walks, and travelling.
To the many people joining Our Neighbors’ Table now, 30 years after its founding, Dee Morse wants you to know that ONT is still serving the community and beyond. “The organization fulfills its mission and follows its heart with staff and volunteers who are wonderful to be around.” She enjoys the connections she has maintained with people she served over the years as their lives change. In one instance, a little boy receiving a prepared meal wanted to give ONT his birthday money so he could help someone else. Dee loves that she is part of providing food security to thousands of people.
Thank you, Dee Morse, our 2013 Community Champion, for all you have done for the community and for Our Neighbors’ Table.
News & Events
Welcome Nic Popoli!
ONT would like to give a warm welcome to our newest staff member, Nic Popoli! Nic is our new Warehouse Associate and will help with all functions of the Warehouse. We're thrilled to have him on board. Be sure to give him a warm welcome next time you're in! |
Mini Farmers' Markets return to schools!
ONT is glad to be able to join our local schools back in person again. At these events, we're able to distribute fresh fruits and veggies to our neighbors - all for free! Thanks to the local schools for inviting us to join them at their Open Houses. |
The Stamp Out Hunger Postal Food drive came back in full swing! Many thanks to the Amesbury and Merrimac Postal Carriers for collecting donations, and to the local community for contributing food! Thanks to the efforts of our neighbors, we collected over 4,000 pounds of food.
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Thank You and Best Wishes!
With their departure, we have some crucial job openings! If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more, please click the links below to view the full job descriptions.
Providing Food Security in the "New Normal"
I look forward to sharing more with you this Spring and working beside you to continue our quest for a Food Secure Region by 2029.
Here's to an early Spring!
Lyndsey Haight
Executive Director
Getting Food on the Table in 2022
Joanne's Pantry Opens at Salisbury Senior Center!
Thanks to the Food Security Infrastructure Grant secured by ONT in 2021, the Salisbury Council on Aging now hosts Joanne’s Pantry, named for Salisbury’s devoted volunteer Joanne Skerry. This market, located in the Salisbury Senior Center, is open twice a week for seniors to come and shop for free groceries. | Pictured above: the inside of the new Joanne's Pantry. Pictured at right: Salisbury COA staff, ONT Executive Director Lyndsey Haight and local leaders at the ribbon cutting for the new pantry. |
Community Readiness
Volunteer Spotlight - Lisa Hayes
News & Events
ONT's team is growing with the addition of new staff and board members! After the December retirement of Ann Johnson, ONT's longtime Office Manager, we are excited to welcome Joanne Barnes, the new Director of Finance & HR, and Dan Brinkman, Office Operations Manager, to the team. Please feel free to introduce yourself and say hello next time you are at ONT! We also welcome 3 new members to ONT's Board of Directors: Terry Rooney, Marie van Luling and Michael Wendt. | February brought back the return of the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce's annual Spread the Love community-wide peanut butter and jelly drive! Thanks to all of the businesses who served as host sites, the community members who donated peanut butter and jelly, and to the Chamber for spearheading. If you are interested in hosting a food drive with your group, please contact Melanie Bouchard, ONT's Community Engagement Manager, by email or at 978-388-1907 x10. | Looking for an easy way to make an impact all year long? Consider joining ONT's Breakfast Club! Breakfast Club members make recurring donations throughout the year and are crucial to providing consistent, reliable food access for our neighbors. You can set up a recurring donation (monthly, quarterly or weekly) on your credit card, or ask your bank to send a check to ONT on your desired schedule. Join the Breakfast Club today to make a difference in 2022! |
Sponsor and Serve Opportunities now Available!
Matter Communications volunteers after their sponsored market shift in January. | ONT's market and meal programs are still operating in a takeout model, but we are thrilled to welcome Sponsor and Serve volunteers back to help! This is a wonderful way to give back as a group and to support ONT with time and a donation. Wednesday Meal: 2 - 4 sponsor volunteers help package up to-go meals and pass them out the guests. Available Wednesday from 3pm - 5pm. Amesbury Market: 4 - 6 sponsor volunteers help pack customized grocery orders for guests. Available Wednesdays - Saturdays for 2.5 to 4 hour shifts, timing based on the day. Sponsorship Cost: starting at $500 Next Steps: Interested in scheduling your meal or market sponsorship date? Contact Lesley to learn more or to get your preferred date booked. |
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