Each year, Our Neighbors' Table distributes 400,000 meals to people in need across 12 cities and towns, hosts 130 or more guests to a three-course meal every Wednesday, and engages volunteers in more than 300 hours of service every week. Food pantries were once small operations, often embedded in a church community, that provided help in emergency situations.
This isn't the case anymore. Hunger affects 1 out of every 6 people in the US and 1 out of every 16 people here on the north shore. ONT is no longer an emergency service, it's a lifeline for thousands of people - working, retired, facing illness - who can't make ends meet. Our work requires tremendous commitment and skills from our staff. "Working with individuals and families in their most vulnerable hour is a privilege, and isn't always easy. It demands patience, compassion, and creativity," states Executive Director Lyndsey Haight. "Add to that the high physicals demands and sense of organization to move a half-million pounds of food every year across a large geographic region, government reporting requirements, and the understanding of a complex socio-economic system that brings hundreds of new guests to our door every year." And now, our team is equipped to face these challenges.
This isn't the case anymore. Hunger affects 1 out of every 6 people in the US and 1 out of every 16 people here on the north shore. ONT is no longer an emergency service, it's a lifeline for thousands of people - working, retired, facing illness - who can't make ends meet. Our work requires tremendous commitment and skills from our staff. "Working with individuals and families in their most vulnerable hour is a privilege, and isn't always easy. It demands patience, compassion, and creativity," states Executive Director Lyndsey Haight. "Add to that the high physicals demands and sense of organization to move a half-million pounds of food every year across a large geographic region, government reporting requirements, and the understanding of a complex socio-economic system that brings hundreds of new guests to our door every year." And now, our team is equipped to face these challenges.
Meet our newest team members!
| Karen Everett joined the team in early Spring as the new Pantry Coordinator. Karen is there every Friday and Saturday overseeing the pantry operations, supporting volunteers, taking care of our guests, and ensuring everyone gets what they need in a safe and welcoming manner. "I am part of a small, caring, and resourceful staff, leading our guests in the right direction for help at perhaps their most vulnerable times. Here at ONT, our food pantry is small but it's where big things happen."  | Terry Willett brings an uncommon combination as a systems analyst AND a trained chef to our programs. And we've put both skills to work in his combined roles of Food Supply Coordinator, coordinating the food inventory for 12 different programs, and Meal Coordinator, overseeing the menus and volunteers of the Wednesday Meal Program. "It's a rare combination, but we are so lucky to have his logistical expertise as well as his passion and creativity for cooking," expresses Haight.  Sue Andrews is the latest to join the team as Volunteer Coordinator. With hundreds of volunteers, Sue will play a critical role in improving our recruitment of and responsiveness to new and veteran volunteers alike. Sue brings strong marketing skills and more than seven years working with non-profits in the Greater Boston area. In her spare time, she enjoys being active and spending time in the great outdoors, particularly in her new home town of West Newbury. Sue has a passion for giving back to the community and is excited to be participating in the fight against hunger with ONT. |
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