

Interviewees: Robyn Burns (she/her) and Hannah Beth Hembree (she/her)
In your words… Tell us about your organization, business, initiative.
The Salem Pantry (TSP) works collaboratively to empower our diverse local and regional communities by ensuring the essential right to convenient and reliable access to healthy food. TSP operates a Mobile Market Program, a home delivery program, stocks the shelves of partner organizations and serves as a distribution center, providing easier food access for other hunger-relief organizations across the North Shore. As of June 2022, TSP has distributed 2 million pounds of food to more than 4,000 households and 12,000 unique individuals(with 1 in 3 recipients being children) throughout the pandemic.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do? Share your passions for your business, initiative, organization.
Robyn is the Executive Director, and Hannah Beth is the Development Officer
What role do you think your business plays in supporting a more creative community? OR your community in general. (Bonus! Why do you think a more creative community is important?)
We believe that our services should be available to all who need them and will work to make sure that those in need, as well as the broader community, see us as an abundant and reliable source of healthy food.
What was the last book you read OR What was the last video you watched that made an impact on you?
The Salem Pantry staff recently read Reinventing Food Pantries by Katie Martin
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you our your business?
At TSP, we believe our work would not have the impact it has without our many partnerships with other community organizations that share similar values.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join

