Feeding Our Community
Addressing food insecurity while providing opportunities for young adults.
Our Community Mission
We help address food insecurity in our community while creating meaningful training opportunities for young adults.
Food + Training = Transformation
Root addresses two community challenges at once: food insecurity and youth unemployment. Our innovative model trains young adults in culinary skills while preparing nutritious meals for those in need throughout Salem and the North Shore.
700+ meals prepared weekly
150+ youth trained annually
12+ partner organizations
1000+ hours of volunteer support
"Root's community meals program has been a lifeline for many in our neighborhood. They provide not just nutritious food, but dignity and care in every meal."
— Community Partner
How We Feed Our Community
Through innovative programs and partnerships, we create sustainable ways to address hunger while building skills.
Community Meals Program
Our young culinary trainees prepare nutritious meals that are distributed to partner organizations serving those experiencing food insecurity.
- 700+ meals prepared weekly
- Nutritionally balanced meals
- Dietary accommodations available
Food Recovery Initiative
We partner with local farms, grocers, and restaurants to recover surplus food and transform it into delicious, nutritious meals for the community.
- Reduces food waste
- Supports local food partners
- Environmental sustainability
Community Food Distribution
We distribute prepared meals and fresh ingredients to partner locations throughout Salem and neighboring communities.
- 12+ distribution partners
- Weekly delivery schedule
- Accessible to all in need
Stories from Our Community
Our work creates meaningful change for both our young adult trainees and the community members we serve.
Mason's Story
Root Culinary Training Graduate
"After completing Root's culinary training program, I'm now part of the team that prepares hundreds of community meals every week. It's incredible to use my skills to give back to the same community that supported me. With each meal we prepare, I know we're making a difference for someone going through hard times."
Mason now works as a Prep Cook at a local restaurant and volunteers weekly with our Community Meals Program.
Haven House Shelter
Community Partner
"The partnership with Root has been transformative for our residents. Not only do they receive nutritious, high-quality meals, but they also see young people from similar backgrounds developing professional skills and building careers. It creates a powerful message of hope and possibility."
Haven House receives 150 meals weekly through our Community Meals Program, serving families and individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
Our Community Partners
We work with a network of dedicated organizations to maximize our impact and reach those most in need.
Distribution Partners
- Salem Housing Authority
- The Salem Pantry
- Lifebridge North Shore
- North Shore Community Health
- Beverly Bootstraps
Food Recovery Partners
- The Farm at Eastman's Corner
- Boston Area Gleaners
- Crosby's Marketplace
- Trader Joe's
- Food Link MA
Funding & Support Partners
- City of Salem
- Essex County Community Foundation
- United Way of Massachusetts Bay
- Greater Boston Food Bank
- Project Bread
Food Donors & Farm Partners
We partner with local farms and food retailers to rescue surplus food and create nutritious meals for our community.
The Farm at Eastman's Corner
A community farm in Kensington, NH that donates surplus fresh produce to support our community meals program.
Boston Area Gleaners
A nonprofit organization that rescues surplus crops from local farms and distributes them to hunger relief organizations.
Crosby's Marketplace
A family-owned grocery chain on the North Shore that donates food items that would otherwise go to waste.
Trader Joe's
Provides daily donations of fresh produce, dairy, and prepared foods through their Neighborhood Shares Program.
Food Link MA
A community organization that rescues fresh food from local businesses and distributes it to people facing food insecurity.
Cedar Rock Gardens
A small organic farm in Gloucester that donates seasonal vegetables and herbs to our community kitchens.
First Light Farm
A regenerative farm in Hamilton dedicated to sustainable farming practices and community food access.
Appleton Farms
One of America's oldest continuously operating farms, providing dairy products and seasonal vegetables to our program.
Whole Foods Market
Contributes surplus food through their food recovery program, including prepared foods and bakery items.
Interested in becoming a food donor or farm partner?
Contact UsGet Involved
There are many ways to support our mission of feeding the community and training young adults.
Volunteer
Help prepare and distribute meals, assist with food recovery, or share your professional skills with our young trainees.
Become a Volunteer
Donate
Your financial support helps us provide more meals and training opportunities. Every donation makes a difference.
Make a Donation
Partner With Us
Organizations can partner with us for food distribution, recovery, or to provide employment opportunities for our graduates.
Become a PartnerVolunteer Application
Make a Donation
Your contribution helps us feed more community members and provide valuable training opportunities for young adults.
$25
Provides 10 nutritious meals for community members in need
$100
Supports one day of culinary training for a young adult
$500
Funds a week of community meals for a partner organization
Contact Us
Have questions about our community feeding programs? Want to learn more about partnering with Root? We'd love to hear from you.
Address
Salem, MA
Phone
(978) 616-7615
info@rootns.org