The Newton Food Pantry is the only independent food pantry in Newton. It has been serving the community since 1983. Today, it serves over 1,900 residents by passing out 900+ bags of grocery and personal care items every week. I am the volunteer Communications Director and a board member. Initial work consisted of messaging, logo and brand guidelines, photo shoot, identity system, attire, flyers, interior décor and wall decals, interior and exterior signage, supporter window decals, website and video. Continual work consists of an annual communications plan and schedule along with managing a team of 5+ volunteers, plus all outward communications to clients, volunteers and donors — including but not limited to: social, email blasts, quarterly newsletters, presentations, mid-year and year-end appeals, fundraising events and community referral programs.
LOGO & IDENTITY SYSTEM
A new logo and brand system for a historic organization ready to modernize and show that all are welcome.
ATTIRE
New logo and brand was applied to various volunteer attire and client giveaways including: sweatshirts, t-shirts and tanks, facemasks, lanyards, nametags and reusable grocery bags.
LAUNCH VIDEO
A video was created explaining the meaning of the new logo and Newton Food Pantry’s mission. The video was included in a launch email to all supporters and volunteers. It’s also used on social and the new website.
VOLUNTEER & DONOR OVERVIEW FLYER
An overview flyer was created for various neighborhood events or donor meetings in order to share food insecurity needs and community statistics.
WEBSITE
A full website overhaul completed the rebranding. To learn more, visit newtonfoodpantry.org
INTERIOR DECALS & ART
After the height of COVID and outside-only food distribution, the interior space (in the basement of Newton City Hall) was fully updated with a new HVAC system as well as new branding elements including: vibrant paint, wall decals, new pantry signage, new furniture and a dedicated client waiting area with ample space for distancing, a kids’ space for families and gallery art.
FUNDRAISER
This community fundraiser offered amazing food from local, award-winning chefs, as well as entertainment, a silent auction and a raffle drawing. Work consisted of event organization and planning, event decorating, email invitations and reminders, social and all event signage.
CLIENT RECIPE CARDS
In honor of National Nutrition Month every March, the Newton Food Pantry collaborates with Newton-Wellesley Hospital to provide recipes (in four languages) using ingredients found in the pantry. This partnership also provides clients an opportunity to meet with dietitians, get blood pressure checks and provide referrals to primary care physicians who are taking new patients.
40TH ANNIVERSARY
2023 marks 40 years of serving the community of Newton.
PRESENTATIONS
Annual Meeting presentation for volunteers and donors. Additional presentations were created for schools and colleges, community organizations and other non-profits.
MID-YEAR & YEAR-END APPEALS
Thanks to a generous donor, a new mid-year appeal was started in 2022, and the $70,000 goal was met in four weeks using only digital outreach. Year-end appeals continue to be successful with direct mail and new digital components.
