General ONT Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do you serve?
In 2019, Our Neighbors' Table served around 4,352 people. This number includes 1,055 children and 840 seniors.
What are the requirements to use your programs?
The only requirement to use ONT's Grocery services is residency in one of our service areas. Individuals experiencing homelessness are also able to utilize our programs. We serve Amesbury, Boxford, Byfield, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, South Hampton, and West Newbury. There is no income cut-off to our services. If you need food, we want you to have it. Our Wednesday Meal is open to anyone and everyone, there is no residency requirement. Come join us!
What are your programs?
Wednesday Dinner
When: Every Wednesday from 4-6pm
Where: Main Street Congregational Church Vestry Hall- 145 Main Street, Amesbury
For Who: This dinner is for anyone and everyone. You do not need to live within our service area to attend Wednesday Dinner.
Amesbury Market
When: Wednesday pick-up, 10:00am-4:00pm, Thursday pick-up, 12:00pm-6:00pm, Friday pick up, 9am-3pm, and Saturday pick-up, 9am-1pm.
Where: The Jardis-Taylor Center for Our Neighbors' Table --194 Main Street, Amesbury
For Who: Residents of Amesbury, Boxford, Byfield, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, South Hampton (NH), and West Newbury
Amesbury Delivery Services
Where: Amesbury and Merrimac
For Who: Home-bound residents of Amesbury and Merrimac
Newburyport Mobile Market
When: Thursdays, curbside pick up only 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Newburyport Senior Center-331 High Street, Newburyport
For Who: Residents of Newbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury
Heritage Towers & Powwow Villa Mobile Markets
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 9:30am-10:30am
Where: Heritage Towers- 180 Main Street, Amesbury and Powwow Villa -26 Summer Street, Amesbury
For Who: Residents of Heritage Towers and & Vale and Powwow Villa only
Summer Lunch Program
When: Usually July through August, but extended due to remote learning.
Where: The Amesbury Market and Newburyport Mobile Market
For Who: Families with school-aged children.
Holiday Programs
When: Registration open one month prior to holiday distribution
Where: Amesbury Market
For Who: Residents of Amesbury, Boxford, Byfield, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, South Hampton (NH), and West Newbury
Emergency Assistance
Our Neighbors' Table offers emergency food assistance. Individuals and families in immediate need of food-due to homelessness, displacement, or other critical circumstances-may contact us during normal business hours at the office at (978) 388-1907, or outside of business hours, at the Emergency Hotline at (978) 835-3016.
When: Every Wednesday from 4-6pm
Where: Main Street Congregational Church Vestry Hall- 145 Main Street, Amesbury
For Who: This dinner is for anyone and everyone. You do not need to live within our service area to attend Wednesday Dinner.
Amesbury Market
When: Wednesday pick-up, 10:00am-4:00pm, Thursday pick-up, 12:00pm-6:00pm, Friday pick up, 9am-3pm, and Saturday pick-up, 9am-1pm.
Where: The Jardis-Taylor Center for Our Neighbors' Table --194 Main Street, Amesbury
For Who: Residents of Amesbury, Boxford, Byfield, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, South Hampton (NH), and West Newbury
Amesbury Delivery Services
Where: Amesbury and Merrimac
For Who: Home-bound residents of Amesbury and Merrimac
Newburyport Mobile Market
When: Thursdays, curbside pick up only 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Newburyport Senior Center-331 High Street, Newburyport
For Who: Residents of Newbury, Newburyport, and West Newbury
Heritage Towers & Powwow Villa Mobile Markets
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 9:30am-10:30am
Where: Heritage Towers- 180 Main Street, Amesbury and Powwow Villa -26 Summer Street, Amesbury
For Who: Residents of Heritage Towers and & Vale and Powwow Villa only
Summer Lunch Program
When: Usually July through August, but extended due to remote learning.
Where: The Amesbury Market and Newburyport Mobile Market
For Who: Families with school-aged children.
Holiday Programs
When: Registration open one month prior to holiday distribution
Where: Amesbury Market
For Who: Residents of Amesbury, Boxford, Byfield, Georgetown, Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, South Hampton (NH), and West Newbury
Emergency Assistance
Our Neighbors' Table offers emergency food assistance. Individuals and families in immediate need of food-due to homelessness, displacement, or other critical circumstances-may contact us during normal business hours at the office at (978) 388-1907, or outside of business hours, at the Emergency Hotline at (978) 835-3016.
How many people volunteer for Our Neighbors' Table?
As of the end of 2019, Our Neighbors' Table has approximately 700 active volunteers.
Where does your food come from?
Around two-thirds of our food comes from the Greater Boston Food Bank. We also receive food from local retailers/wholesalers, food drives, and local farmers/growers. Some of our year-round partners include Heron Pond Farm and US Foods.
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
Can i volunteer with my kids?
Unfortunately due to COVID we are only accepting volunteers 16 and over. Usually we have programs for children to participate in, however they have been cancelled for the time being as they do not fit into our COVID safety guidelines. There is one virtual program still in operation that is available for everyone. These are Virtual Food Drives. These are monetary based and completely online.
What volunteer shifts are best for high schoolers?
High Schoolers (aged 16+) are a great fit for Market Set-Up or Restocking shifts. These shifts fall after school hours and on weekends, which usually fit well within their schedules. We also have opportunities for cleaning after our Wednesday Meal.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, all ONT volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes.
Is there any special terminology i should know as a volunteer?
There are a few terms that we use here at ONT that are important for our volunteers to know. Instead of calling our assistance a food pantry or food bank, we call it our Market. Our Market uses a unique model where our guests are able to come in and select their items based on needs, likes, and dietary restrictions. Those who utilize our programs are called our guests (rather than clients).
Should i show up early to my shift?
There is no need to show up early for your shift. Many shifts (specifically in the Market) are designed to give you enough time to come in and get settled.
Where do i report for my shift?
If you are volunteering at the Amesbury Market, Warehouse, or ONT Office: please use the corresponding door at the Jardis-Taylor Center for Our Neighbors' Table at 194 Main Street, Amesbury.
If you are volunteering at the Wednesday Meal, please use the back door of the Main Street Congregational Church Vestry Hall at 145 Main Street, Amesbury.
If you are volunteering at the Newburyport Mobile Market Distribution, please go to the Newburyport Senior Center at 331 High Street, Newburyport. If you are packing for Newburyport you will report to the Jardis-Taylor Center.
For shifts at the Wednesday meal or the Newburyport Mobile market, please report directly to those locations.
If you are volunteering at the Wednesday Meal, please use the back door of the Main Street Congregational Church Vestry Hall at 145 Main Street, Amesbury.
If you are volunteering at the Newburyport Mobile Market Distribution, please go to the Newburyport Senior Center at 331 High Street, Newburyport. If you are packing for Newburyport you will report to the Jardis-Taylor Center.
For shifts at the Wednesday meal or the Newburyport Mobile market, please report directly to those locations.
Who should i ask questions to during my shift?
Program managers are happy to answer any questions you may have during your shift. If you cannot find them or they are not available for whatever reason, other volunteers are generally around and happy to assist you. You are also always more than welcome to come to the office to ask questions.
What if i have to cancel my volunteer shift?
If you need to cancel your volunteer shift, you can do so directly through signup.com or call the office at (978) 388-1907. Please give us at least 48 hours' notice whenever possible. If a last-minute emergency comes up, please call us at the office to let us know you cannot make it in.
What are the least pysically active volunteer shifts you have? do you have any sitting jobs?
The least physically active volunteers shifts we have are Market Check-In, Greeter*, Intake, Office Receptionist, and Remote Support positions. All of these positions are seated and do not require any lifting.
*The Greeter volunteer can sit for the majority of the shift, but will be required to stand to let guests know when they may enter the Market or to lead guests to the Intake office or restroom.
*The Greeter volunteer can sit for the majority of the shift, but will be required to stand to let guests know when they may enter the Market or to lead guests to the Intake office or restroom.
