The Anchor Food Pantry was just an idea six short months ago. But as we all have experienced, a lot can change in just six months.
This past January the seed for Anchor was planted. We knew there was a need in the greater Swampscott community to support those who are experiencing food insecurity. We began meeting with representatives from churches and other organizations who were already trying to help, we researched how other food pantries were organized and we brainstormed about fundraising options. Our goal was to have some type of food pantry running by June 2020.
But then the pandemic hit and there was no time to wait. With a tremendous amount of community support and a lot of hustle, we were providing staples to local families and seniors in need by March 2020. It was incredible.
We first set up at the high school and later moved our growing inventory to the Senior Center, where we remain temporarily. The community response has been beyond amazing — including donations of food and household items through neighborhood drives — generous cash contributions, access to temporary space at both Swampscott High School and Swampscott Senior Center, volunteers to help with organizing and servicing, community restaurants sharing extras, community organizations such as the Swampscott Education Association and Rotary Club offering support and the list goes on.
Every single action, from individual to group, has had an incredible impact. This community showed up in a big way, as it always does when there is a need identified, and because of this, we are able to service dozens of families and seniors each week by providing some much needed groceries. We are even able to give some fresh veggies from our brand-new community garden.
We have big plans for the future as well. We are presently searching for a permanent home and will keep everyone posted on that. We are also in the process of creating a website.
In the meantime, please visit our Facebook page. We try to post information about volunteer opportunities and items most in need, as well as a link for donating.
Again, thank you to all the Swampscott and Nahant community members who have embraced this effort and truly made it a success.
Anchor Food Pantry board members
