AMESBURY — It appears warm weather is warming local businesses' hearts.
Maggie Sundae, Phat Cats Bistro, and Heron Pond Farm are all finding ways to give back to Our Neighbors' Table.
At Heron Pond Farm in South Hampton, the proprietor Andre Cantelmo found a way to reach those who need fresh produce the most. Throughout the summer and the fall, the farm will donate fresh fruit and vegetables to local families selected by Our Neighbors' Table.
"We would like to be a part of the community around us," Cantelmo said. "Our sales come from Amesbury so we need to participate in the community."
Cantelmo chose Our Neighbors' Table because he knew their outreach is important throughout town, and the food pantry really has a pulse on those in dire need. While the food pantry has a stock of canned goods, fresh produce can be much harder to get a hold of.
"There is the problem of not having fresh vegetables at the food bank and a problem with people in need not being able to afford fresh vegetables," he said. "It seemed to be a natural idea and made so much sense."
Adele Faso also had Our Neighbors' Table on the forefront of her mind when planning her sundae and coffee store's third anniversary. She decided to celebrate by donating this Saturday's proceeds to the food pantry.
The event is children-friendly, offering a free children's gift and Amesbury police cruiser and fire engine tours between 1 and 3 p.m. The shop will offer free coffee between 9 and 11 a.m. and the usual menu for adults.
"Our Neighbors' Table does so much for our community and Amesbury, and they really need the help," Adele Faso, owner of Maggie Sundae said.
Owner of Maggie Sundae for less than a year, Faso said she has spent time volunteering for Our Neighbors' Table and will plan a similar fundraiser in the future.
"I would do this as often as possible if I had the opportunity," she said. "I'm really excited; I hope we get a lot of people in, because the more the merrier and the more for Our Neighbors' Table."
Across town in a new restaurant, Paul Eastman and Christina Johnson, new owners of Phat Cats Bistro spent months thinking of how to become more active in town. They decided to donate 25 percent of their earnings on Mondays during April and May to the food pantry. The bistro's evening hours on Mondays are from 5 to 9 p.m.
"We have been extremely impressed with the wonderful work Our Neighbors' Table is doing in the community. Since we are open for business six days a week, we have little personal time to volunteer at Our Neighbors' Table and feel we can best help by donating a portion of the proceeds from our food service one day a week to this worthy organization," Eastman and Johnson said.
Executive Director of Our Neighbors' Table Rosemary Werner said she is grateful and every little bit helps.
"This is nothing short of huge for us," she said.
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