The following is an interview with Marcy Schwam, board president of Marblehead Food Pantry, conducted by Discover Marblehead. The Marblehead Food Pantry has been serving the community since 1991, providing food to Marblehead residents facing food insecurity. Powered by dedicated volunteers and supported through the generosity of local donors, businesses, schools and organizations, the Food Pantry ensures that no neighbor has to face hunger alone. To learn more or donate, go to marbleheadfoodpantry.org.
Tell us about the Marblehead Food Pantry and how you help/serve Marblehead. The Pantry is a nonprofit 501 3C that is 100% volunteer. We rely on the Marblehead community for donations, both monetary and in nonperishable food. We service Marblehead residents that are in need of supplemental grocery items. Our distribution days are Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m. and Thursdays 5-7 p.m. We service approximately 70 households weekly at the Star of the Sea Parish Center.
What are some of the changes that have been made in the last year? There have been some wonderful enhancements to our service and program over the past year. The biggest is a newly renovated pantry — we had our location cleaned and painted with all newly built shelving and a new floor installed. There is now more room on the shelves as well as a bright fresh atmosphere. We also have a wonderful group of new volunteers that are active and available to assist with a number of tasks. The pantry has become much more integrated with the community as we’ve met with many organizations such as Discover Marblehead. Another real plus for the pantry is the organization of an elected board of directors. The pantry is now operating as a full organization and holds regular meetings to address needs and issues. We’re very fortunate to have partnered up with the Salem Pantry, and the Salem Mobile Pantry visits our location once a month offering fresh produce and protein.
How did you get involved as the president of the Food Pantry? I started to volunteer at the pantry when I retired from corporate life. When our former director had to step away, a meeting was assembled for those who could attend to discuss what to do — there was no plan in place. I had thoughts of how it should be run, but in no way wanted to undertake the task. I kept thinking of my father’s moral compass and what he would have told me. Long story short, I took the plunge and haven’t looked back.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since stepping into the President role? Have trust in your volunteers and ask for help. It’s absolutely not a one-person job. Also, have faith in your community, that they will rally and get your organization over the hump — for example the SNAP debacle this past fall.
What do you love most about Marblehead? It’s a close community that shares both joy and sorrow. There are resources here for everyone from the 65+ community to mental health services to things like the pantry.
The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. Discover Marblehead is dedicated to the promotion of the town. Its mission is to highlight local businesses, tourism, community events and attractions through social media, email marketing and community outreach. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.
