News From Our Table

Our Neighbors’ Table needs your help to meet growing demand
It’s a typical question for someone to ask: “How’s work?” And, in today’s economy, the best answer you hope for is “We’re very busy”. But at Our Neighbors’ Table, that answer has a very different, and bittersweet meaning. Sure, our staff and volunteers like to be busy while they’re here. But being busy at ONT means that the need in our community continues to rise.

Regardless of what the media might report about the economy, whether it’s up today or down tomorrow, we know one thing for certain: the lines at ONT are longer than they’ve ever been in our nearly 20 years of existence. Since 2009, our attendance at our Saturday pantry has grown by over 40%. What’s more, those that are coming are in need of more food than they were before. In 2010, our Saturday pantry served an average 75 households per week. In early 2011, that number jumped to close to 90, and since June 2011 has topped 110. And each week, we sign up at least a handful of new people for our USDA program, which serves the neediest families who fall at or below 185% of the poverty level, or $41,000/year for a family of four. Even the latest US Census data reveals that many Amesbury households are barely making it. The 2009 median income for Amesbury was $70,522. According to the Crittenton Women’s Union annual economic index, it takes a family of four in eastern Massachusetts about $70,000/year to just put a roof over their head, food on the table, clothes on their back, and keep the lights on; this doesn’t cover extras like a car, cable, toys, sports, or other things many of us come to consider life’s necessities.

So how can you help? Right now, we need food. The best way you can help us serve more people and keep our costs down is by helping us stock our pantry shelves by making a food donation, organizing a food drive, or contributing to one of the existing food drives scheduled for the upcoming months. Check out the “Help Fight Hunger” page of our website for a list of our most needed items and ideas for food drives, and, as always, please feel free to call us for help or to answer any questions at 978-388-1907.

Are you planning an event to support Our Neighbors' Table? Please let us know and we'll help promote it!
Lyndsey@ourneighborstable.org
978.388.1907

	Sign-ups begin for Summer Lunch Program June 27: Amesbury Block Party 5:30pm – 8:30pm		July 7 – August 25: Summer Lunch Program offered to families with school-aged children living in Amesbury/S. Hampton. Pre-registration is required. Please call our office at 978-388-1907.		Our food inventory is usually running low this time of year. Consider incorporating food drive into your summer barbecue. Call or email us for ideas!