Community Corner

People's Pantry Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The following was submitted by North Parish.

Twenty years ago amidst another economic downturn, North Parish member Cari Marchese recognized a need in the Merrimack Valley and took action.  She founded the People’s Pantry in October 1992, which continues to be run out of the church in the old center of North Andover.

In keeping with the Unitarian Universalist principles of honoring “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” and “equity and compassion” for others, Cari strives to provide a warm welcome to pantry guests.   Anyone who is need of food assistance is eligible to visit the pantry; there are no residency requirements.  “We don’t ask you to prove that you need anything,” said Cari.  “We just welcome you and give you food.”  Cari adds, “I am very proud of what we do, especially of the Kid's table. There are refreshments for everyone and supervised puzzles and games for the children.  Volunteer Dotti Anderson makes all the kids feel cared for."

In 2011, the People’s Pantry served over 12,000 guests with an average of 90-100 guests each pantry day. The pantry receives the core of its food from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. However, Cari adds the pantry relies on the community so that they may provide a more complete variety of nutritious foods.  “There are a number of ways you can help support our neighbors,” said Cari.  “You can: (1) organize a food drive, (2) make individual food donations; or (3) make a tax-deductible contribution that will enable us to purchase complementary items.”

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If you are need of assistance or would like to make a donation, contact Cari at 978-687-7948 or visit www.northparish.org.


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