The Salem Pantry Named Greater Boston Food Bank Partner Of The Year

SALEM, MA — The Salem Pantry was honored as a Community Partner of the Year in fulfilling the Greater Boston Food Bank's mission of meeting client needs, assisting in nutrition and education, and serving as a role model for other agencies on the North Shore.

The award presentation was made at the Greater Boston Food Bank's annual Partner Appreciation Awards.

The Salem Pantry was recognized as a reliable strategic hunger relief partner for Salem and its surrounding communities. Its warehouse also serves as a shared delivery site, allowing nearby agencies to pick up deliveries in one centralized location.

"The Salem Pantry is a shining example of the impact that our food distribution system can have at a community level," said GBFB's Vice President of Community Impact and Operations Jonathan Tetrault. "Beyond serving as a shared food delivery location for neighboring communities, the Salem Pantry consistently goes above and beyond to advance hunger relief through education, responding to clients' unique needs, and advocating for additional funding and food sources.

"We hope this award conveys our deep appreciation for the efforts of its staff and the measurable impact they have on their community."

In 2023 they also opened The Marketplace, the new permanent home for the food pantry, while continuing to offer weekly mobile markets at several sites throughout the city. The new pantry location enables clients to access nutritious food through a client-choice model.

"We are thrilled and honored to be recognized as the 2024 Community Partner of The Year," said Robyn Burns, Executive Director of The Salem Pantry. "Our partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank has allowed us to find innovative ways to support our neighbors and fellow North Shore agencies.

"This recognition is a true testament to our commitment to providing healthy food in our community."

Ten other awards were given to GBFB’s network of food distribution partners, volunteers, public officials, donors and advocates who have shown dedication to mitigating the food insecurity crisis and providing wide-ranging contributions to hunger relief. See the full list of honorees here.

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