Salem Pantry Takes Fight Against Hunger to Washington
Executive Director and communications leader advocate on Capitol Hill for SNAP preservation amid rising food insecurity
Salem Pantry Joins National Anti-Hunger Advocacy Effort
The Salem Pantry joined over 900 advocates from across the country last week at the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, hosted by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). Executive Director Robyn Burns and Director of Marketing and Communications Kia Fernandes participated in the multi-day event. The conference brought together anti-hunger advocates, federal, state, and local government officials, and representatives of food banks and food rescue organizations to address the growing hunger crisis facing the United States.
The conference included two days of learning sessions and collaborative networking, followed by a day of direct advocacy on Capitol Hill. Burns and Fernandes met with the offices of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congressman Seth Moulton, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Senator Ed Markey to advocate for the preservation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Their visits came at a critical time, as Congress debated the Farm Bill and communities are beginning to feel the effects of the historic cuts to the program.
Energized by Community, Grounded by Urgency
“This conference was a reminder that the fight against hunger is bigger than any one organization or community,” said Burns. “You leave a conference like this both energized and grounded, energized by the people in that room, grounded by the urgency of the work ahead.”
The Salem Pantry collaborated with advocates from across the Northeast Region and members of the Make Hunger History Coalition, of which The Salem Pantry is a member. Burns also serves on the coalition’s Advisory Committee, reflecting The Salem Pantry’s deep commitment to statewide and regional anti-hunger work.
Rising Food Insecurity in Massachusetts and Essex County
The stakes could not be higher. In 2025, 40% of Massachusetts residents faced food insecurity. Essex County saw the largest year-over-year increase in the state, jumping 9% from 2024 to 2025. Against that backdrop, communities are feeling the effects of historic SNAP cuts made in 2025.
The Salem Pantry’s participation in the conference reflects its broader approach to food access: not just providing food, but addressing the root causes of hunger through policy, partnership, and advocacy. Sharing the direct impact of SNAP reductions on North Shore neighbors with elected officials was central to that work.
About The Salem Pantry
For more than 30 years, The Salem Pantry has been committed to ensuring the essential right to convenient and reliable access to healthy food. Each month, the organization distributes over 275,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious food through programs including The Market, mobile pantries, home delivery, and medically tailored food boxes.
The Salem Pantry’s food distribution hub plays a central role in the North Shore’s food access network, expanding the availability of nutritious food and supporting more than 20 community organizations.
For more information, visit thesalempantry.org, call 978-552-3954, or follow The Salem Pantry on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at thesalempantry.
Media Contact:
Kia Fernandes
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The Salem Pantry
Phone: 978-552-3954
Email: kiafernandes@thesalempantry.org
Website: www.thesalempantry.org
