Table Talk, Summer 2017

7/12/2017

Summer Time: A time of fun for ALL!

Now in its seventh year, ONT’s Summer Lunch Program is bigger than ever with 300 children already enrolled and a second distribution site added! The 8-week program, running July 5-August 26, provides extra groceries for healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks to families with school-aged children. This year we expanded our program to include a distribution site at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Merrimack Valley in Salisbury. SLP helps cover the gap left when kids are no longer receiving free- or reduced lunch through their schools. We’re saving each family nearly $150 per month per child! To sign up for the Summer Lunch Program, call 978-388-1907. ONT is currently competing for $10,000 through KIND snacks’ KIND Causes. Vote for ONT today!

The Spoon Platoon is marching hunger out of our community

ONT’s programs are funded primarily through donations from local individuals, businesses and foundations. As need in our region continues to grow, their continued generosity will ensure we never have to turn anyone away. Our Neighbors’ Table recognizes those donors who are really leading the charge through our Spoon Platoon program, which was officially inaugurated on June 13th with the installation of a beautiful living sculpture created by local artists Ryan Kelley and Stephen Martin. Engraved spoons commemorate families, neighborhood groups, local businesses, and individuals who have made food security in our community a philanthropic priority, supporting the construction of The Jardis-Taylor Center for Our Neighbors’ Table as well as our day-to-day programs. YOU can join the Spoon Platoon today!

ONT named one of 100K for 100!

ONT kicked off the summer with some incredible news. Through a competitive process, ONT was awarded $100,000 from the Cummings Foundation 100K for 100 program to support the growth of our grocery programs. The funds, disbursed over 2017 and 2018, will help ONT keep up with the growing number of guests utilizing the weekly market at the Jardis-Taylor Center and expand our mobile market and home delivery programs across the region.

Volunteer Spotlight: Will Mauch

ONT: Nonprofit of the Year, Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

ONT’s programs don’t run without our volunteers. Each week, people from 8-88 pitch in more than 550 hours of service to unload trucks, stock shelves, chop vegetables, mop floors, answer the phones, serve dinner, and help guests shop in the market. This quarter’s spotlight focuses on Will Mauch, a 20-year-old Amesbury resident who works behind the scenes restocking the Our Neighbors’ Table market. Will started volunteering with ONT when he was in high school, and continues to return on his college breaks. This year, he even recruited a friend!

ONT Board members Jane Albert, Frank Childs, Ginny Eramo and Greg Jardis receive Nonprofit of the Year from NCC's Grace Connolly and David Strand at the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.