Salem Pantry Takes SNAP Fight To Washington DC At National Anti-Hunger Conference

SALEM, MA — The Salem Pantry representatives joined more than 900 advocates from around the country last week at the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, hosted by the Food Research and Action Center.

Executive Director Robyn Burns and Director of Marketing and Communications Kia Fernandes attended the multi-day event, which brought together anti-hunger advocates, government officials and representatives of food banks and food rescue organizations.

Burns and Fernandes met with the offices of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) to advocate for preserving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

"This conference was a reminder that the fight against hunger is bigger than any one organization or community," Burns said. "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."

Forty percent of Massachusetts residents faced food insecurity in 2025, advocates said. Essex County saw the largest year-over-year increase in the state, rising 9 percent from 2024 to 2025.

The Salem Pantry representatives said its participation reflected a broader approach to food access that includes policy, partnership and advocacy in addition to food distribution.

The goal, they said, was to share the direct impact of SNAP reductions on North Shore neighbors with elected officials and the need to address the root causes of hunger through policy, not simply food access.

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• New North Shore Food Distribution Hub To Help Fight Hunger Crisis