Table Talk, November 2021

11/18/2021

The holidays are upon us once again. For many, this will be a reunion of loved ones who could not gather last year. It’s a time to give thanks and treasure the little things that we can often take for granted. Smiles, laughter, and hugs are back! Every year, ONT offers all of the food to go along with these celebrations – from turkeys to pies, turnips to gravy. More than 1,000 holiday celebrations will be “catered” with food from ONT’s markets or lasagnas prepared by our Wednesday Meal chefs.

Your support of and participation in ONT’s mission is so much more than making sure your neighbor doesn’t go hungry over the holidays. ONT’s vision is for everyone in our community to be food secure all year long – that means everyone can know for certain that they will have 3 healthy meals a day, every day, always. And, together, we are making that happen.

We learned earlier this year, that the average family saves $300/month when they shop at ONT for groceries. Imagine what that $300 can mean to a family at Christmas time! Imagine what it means to a dad who can keep the heat on through the winter so his kids can sleep peacefully. Imagine what it means for a mom who has to pay for gas to get to work every day.

Today, I send my sincerest thanks to all of our community members who show up every day. To all who are packing groceries, stocking the freezer, driving our trucks, chopping onions, making phone calls or home deliveries, sending in a donation, sharing our tweets, and spreading the word – thank you! To all of you who see that, together, we are not just defending against hunger today, but building the hope and security for tomorrow – thank you and peace be with you.

Warmest Wishes,
Lyndsey Haight
Executive Director

ONT's Annual Breakfast Returns to Blue Ocean!

It was a rainy, blustery morning on October 26, but we were warmed by the spirit of community at ONT’s Annual Breakfast. It was wonderful to gather safely in-person with new and old friends while still broadcasting to our audience at home. Dana Marshall emceed our morning and led a conversation with Pam Kealey of Newburyport Public Schools and Tress Ricker, ONT's Food Resource Advocate, about what they are hearing from our guests and neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity first-hand. We are thankful for the chance to bring everyone together to remind ourselves of the importance of addressing food insecurity as both a social and economic condition that affects every aspect of our community. It was an honor to celebrate our 2021 Community Champions - congratulations to the Town of Salisbury (pictured above), Bill Ginivan and Clarissa Taylor. Special thanks to our sponsors and all who joined us to raise funds to provide nearly 80,000 meals to our neighbors! Read more about the Annual Breakfast ››

Food Drive Fun!

We were thrilled to have some of our traditional food drives back after a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic. It is so wondeful to see the community rallying to support ONT and our community partners. Last week's Scouting for Food (pictured right) brought in a record 5,000 pounds of food! Thanks to all of the Scouts for their hard work tagging and picking up the food and to all the households that donated.
Next up is the 6th annual Fill-A- Cruiser food drive at the Amesbury Stop & Shop on Saturday, November 20. Hosted by the Amesbury, Merrimac and Salisbury police departments, the officers will be collecting food donations from 8am - 2pm. The Georgetown Police Department will also be filing a cruiser at Crosby's in Georgetown from 8am - 3pm. Thanks in advance to all of the departments for their help and volunteerism!

Volunteer Spotlights - Bill Ginivan & Clarissa Taylor

ONT Community Champion Award winner Bill Ginivan has always been involved in community service. “It’s in my DNA,” he says, “My parents did it, so it’s always been part of my life.” When the Ginivans moved to Amesbury, they immediately started searching for volunteer opportunities. They settled on ONT after learning of its mission and reputation in the community. Bill has been a loyal ONT volunteer for 6 years at the Wednesday Meal. He has been a fixture in the kitchen and took pride in watching the guests enjoy the meal he had helped prepare. When the meal turned to takeout during the pandemic, Bill said that the Wednesday Meal team had to “get creative with the menu” so all the guests were able to bring a delicious meal home. Read more about Bill in the Volunteer Spotlight ››

Clarissa Taylor, one of ONT’s Community Champions, speaks about her introduction to ONT with amusement and fondness. “My friend Murray tricked me,” she starts with a smile, “Murray asked me if I wanted to be part of the Volunteer Appreciation Committee for one meeting and one event.” It turned into significantly more than one meeting and one event, but after 9 years of volunteering, she wouldn’t change it for the world. Clarissa has volunteered in almost every program area of ONT. She is currently using her friendly approach to take guest orders over the phone as an Office volunteer. She loves to take the time to chat with guests before taking their orders. Clarissa recalls her most memorable moment at ONT, “A guest was so glad that I called because I am usually the only phone call she gets each week.” Read more about Clarissa in the Volunteer Spotlight ››

News & Events

Thanksgiving grocery distribution wraps up on Tuesday, providing families with turkey and the fixings to celebrate with their loved ones in their homes. Christmas groceries will be available starting December 14. We'll be open extended days and hours for grocery pick-ups, so check our website for details. Folks new to ONT can register in advance to be able to shop for holiday groceries.

Santa returns to the Wednesday Meal on December 8! A favorite holiday tradition and a highlight of the holiday season for us. This year Santa will be reading The Night Before Christmas and passing out some goodies. A delicious takeout meal will be handed out to all. Join us from 4pm - 6pm at the Main Street Congregational Church in Amesbury on December 8!

It's the holiday season and ONT is going to be out and about! Look for the ONT truck in the Amesbury Holiday parade on Saturday, December 4. We'll also be at the Newburyport Pop-Up in the Park (adjacent to the Newburyport Chamber's information booth) Dec. 17- 19. Stop by to make a neighbor note to be included with a neighbors' holiday groceries or give the gift of food security with a donation.

Thanksgiving Recipe from ONT's Heather Paterson

Heather is ONT's Meal Manager who prepares delicious takeout meals every Wednesday for our guests. Today she gives us a holiday stuffing recipe with a twist for your Thanksgiving table, which starts with a box of stuffing found in the grocery store or ONT's Market!

HOLIDAY STUFFING WITH A TWIST
PREP TIME: 10 Min.
COOK TIME: 15 Min. SERVES: 8
INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 cups apple juice
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix - bought at the grocery
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup diced apple
DIRECTIONS:
1. Bring juice and butter to boil in medium saucepan on high heat.
2. Add stuffing mix and fruit; mix lightly. Cover and remove from heat.
3. Let stand 5 min. Fluff with fork.

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