Table Talk, Summer 2019

The summer is bittersweet. We get to drink up the sun and warmth of one of the best times of year in coastal New England. At the same time, we are reminded that time has passed quickly and another year will soon be history.

Here at ONT, Summer 2019 marks the half-way point for 2020 Strategic Plan: A Path to Food Security, which charts our course to raise awareness of food insecurity in our region, build ONT’s partnerships and capacity to address need, and, most importantly, to ensure that the communities of Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury and Merrimac can become food-secure. These are ambitious goals and it sometimes feels daunting to think we could achieve them in just 18 more months. However, now seems like the perfect time to recap how far we’ve come in the last year-and-a-half to motivate us to the finish line.
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Creating a Food-Secure Region is a marathon, not a sprint. Some miles will be tough, while others are a smooth, flat coast (our Run Out Hunger team members will agree down-hill can be just as hard as up). But, through partnerships and solidarity with our neighbors, we are getting closer and closer to our goal.

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Fill 'Em Up Fest Returns for a 3rd Year!

Join us at Newburyport's Cashman Park for our popular annual food truck festival! Presented by the Institution for Savings, Fill 'Em Up Fest is a family-friendly event featuring delicious food from the area's best food trucks, local beer, live music from Alex Anthony and games for the kids. 

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free!

Can we fill 'em up? You can help feed 30 neighbors for a whole year! Your ticket purchase supports the 1 in 16 people living in our region who don't know where their next meal is coming from, including 1 in 5 seniors and 1 in 8 children. Every dollar donated provides 1 meal to a neighbor. 
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Last year's favorites Empanada Dada, Phoenix Rising, Clyde's Cupcakes and Chick & Dogs are joined by Big Rig BBQ , Metzy's and Sacred Cod. Hope to see you on September 7! 

Volunteer Spotlight- Lisa Flynn

Lisa Flynn wasted no time diving into volunteering after she retired, and it didn’t take her long to become a regular volunteer with Our Neighbors’ Table! She came to volunteer orientation after a few weeks of retirement at the recommendation of Beth and Alan Ayres (amazing ONT volunteers themselves!). Lisa immediately felt the power and warmth of the ONT community.
​“It feeds the soul,” Lisa will tell you, “The people- volunteers, guests, staff—good people doing good things.” Very quickly, Lisa was volunteering every week at the Wednesday Meal (she’s the “Salad and Soup Lady”) and in the ONT office as receptionist. Read more about Lisa in the month's Volunteer Spotlight.

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News & Events

Run Out Hunger
Sunday, October 20
​Join ONT's Run Out Hunger team and get a VIP race experience at the Newburyport Half Marathon while helping to feed our neighbors with each mile you run! Perfect for experienced runners or those looking to challenge themselves to help the community. New this year - team option is available! 

Annual Breakfast
Tuesday, October 22
Mark your calendars for October 22 to join us at Blue Ocean Event Center as we share and celebrate the progress our community has made possible. We will also honor our 2019 community champions . Please join us for an impactful morning!  Tickets will be sold individually or in tables of 8. Sponsorship opportunities also available. 

​Only a few Wednesday Meal sponsorship opportunities are available this year! Don't miss out on the amazing group experience. If you are interested in sponsoring and serving with your group or company, please contact Lyndsey as soon as possible.

​Melanie Bouchard joined ONT this week for a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. Melanie is serving as Community Engagement Coordinator and will be helping with volunteers and community outreach. Say hello next time you're in the office! 

Thank you to our 2019 Great Neighbors!

​These Great Neighbors are making a big impact on hunger. Join their ranks and become a Great Neighbor today!