Peabody's Citizen Inn To Use $12K To Expand Food Services

PEABODY, MA — Citizens Inn Inc. of Peabody said it will use a $12,000 grant from the People’s United Community Foundation of Eastern Massachusetts to help expand its food pantry and community meals services program.

Citizens Inn said it has experienced increased demand during the two years of the COVID-19 crisis with the program distributing nearly 2.1 million pounds of food annually, serving about 6,000 residents from Salem, Peabody and Lynnfield.

"We are immensely grateful for the continued support from People's United Community Foundation of Eastern Massachusetts," Director of Development Ali Haydock said. "We never want to have to turn anyone away who needs our help. This funding will help ensure that we can continue to provide free, nutrient-dense foods to all of our clients, even as the number of individuals experiencing food insecurity grows."

In its 38th year, Citizens Inn Inc. merged with Haven from Hunger in 2017 and provides free, nutrient-dense food to low- and moderate-income families and individuals. Residents are allowed to visit the food pantry once per seven days to help prevent food insecurity.

In recent months, COVID-19 related shortages and supply chain disruptions have been increased challenges for Citizens Inn Inc. as it looks to finish a build-out of its second floor at Haven from Hunger.

The new space will house the food program, as well as mental health counseling services, housing search support and benefits navigation.

"We are proud to support Citizens Inn as they work to ensure no one in Essex County goes hungry," said Patrick Sullivan, Massachusetts President, EVP of People’s United Bank and Foundation Board Member. "They have been doing incredible work for decades and have continued to answer the call during these increasingly difficult times for individuals and families."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)