Peabody Essex Museum Hosts Holiday Food Drive to Support Salem Pantry: A Heartwarming Gift for All

Published on December 7, 2025

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), renowned for its rich collection of art and its commitment to community engagement, is embracing the holiday season by hosting a food drive that benefits the Salem Pantry. This heartfelt initiative, running from November 10 through December 7, invites visitors to participate in spreading goodwill by donating non-perishable food items. In exchange for their generosity, participants will receive a complimentary voucher for a delicious cookie from the Atrium Café, generously provided by Gourmet Caterers.

How to Participate in the Food Drive

The holiday food drive encourages visitors to contribute a wide variety of non-perishable food items. Among the most needed items are local grocery store gift cards, canned goods, spices, cooking oils, and baking mixes. Other acceptable donations include canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, canned pumpkin, shelf-stable pie shells, and much more. Each donation must be unopened, non-expired, and non-perishable to be eligible for the food drive.

The museum’s participation in this cause highlights how PEM connects the cultural and the communal, fostering a sense of unity and kindness within the Salem area. Visitors are invited to contribute these essential items to help those in need during the festive season, ensuring that families in the community can have a warm, nutritious holiday meal.

Holiday Spirit and Giving Back

This initiative, organized under PEM’s Climate + Environment Initiative, underscores the museum’s dedication to social responsibility and community involvement. It not only provides an opportunity for visitors to help their neighbors but also allows them to feel the warmth of the holiday spirit as they contribute to a meaningful cause. As a token of appreciation, each donor will receive a voucher for a free cookie from the Atrium Café, which offers a sweet treat to enjoy during a visit to the museum.

The food drive also includes a special incentive to encourage participation. Visitors who donate will have the chance to enter a raffle to win a free one-year family membership to PEM, allowing them to explore the museum’s impressive exhibitions and programs throughout the year. For PEM members who contribute, there is an added bonus—a chance to win a special mystery prize, making the experience even more rewarding.

Details of the Event

The food drive is open to all museum visitors and takes place at PEM’s location at 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA. Donations can be made during museum hours, from 10 AM to 5 PM, on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The event will continue to accept donations through December 7, 2025, providing ample time for guests to participate and contribute to this community-driven cause.

As a hub of creativity and cultural exchange, the Peabody Essex Museum is thrilled to be able to offer its visitors the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of families in need. With the holiday season in full swing, this food drive provides an excellent way to give back and share the joy of the season with others.

Support Local Families This Season

The food drive is designed to help ensure that families in the Salem area who are struggling with food insecurity can enjoy a holiday season filled with warmth, good food, and the support of their community. The event, which has been running for several weeks, has already garnered a strong response from visitors, many of whom have expressed their enthusiasm for supporting this local initiative. Donating to the food drive offers a simple yet impactful way for people to help those less fortunate, particularly as they prepare for holiday celebrations.

As we approach the end of the year, it is important to remember that the holiday season is not just about festivities and gifts but also about community and giving. The Peabody Essex Museum’s food drive represents a wonderful opportunity for visitors to show their support for the local community and contribute to making the holidays a little brighter for those who need it most.

PEM’s dedication to its local community continues to inspire visitors who value the museum not only for its world-class exhibitions but also for its ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those in the Salem area. The food drive is a perfect example of how cultural institutions like PEM can have a positive and far-reaching impact beyond the realm of art and culture.

A Season of Generosity and Community

As the Peabody Essex Museum continues to provide opportunities for visitors to support the local community, this year’s holiday food drive stands out as a reminder of the power of collective giving. By coming together to help those in need, visitors can make this holiday season a little brighter for families in Salem. Whether enjoying the art collections at PEM or contributing to this important cause, museum-goers are participating in something larger than themselves; a shared experience that reflects the spirit of giving and community that defines the holiday season. For more details on the food drive, visit the Peabody Essex Museum’s official website or stop by the museum’s Admissions desk during your next visit.