Community Action, Inc.

(For Food Pantry and Clothing Bank)Monday 9:00 a.m. 3:30 pmTuesday 9:00 a.m. 3:30 pmThursday 11:00 a.m. 6:00 pm(For other appointments)Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.(978) 388-2570 Fax (978) 388-7838 
Community Action, Inc. (CAI) is a multi-servicenon-profit organization working to empowerindividuals and families to help themselves throughprograms and services that support economicgrowth, family stability, and employment andtraining. CAIs service area includes thecommunities of Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown,Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, Newbury,Newburyport, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 
Food PantryThe Food Pantry got its start in Amesbury through acollaboration of churches in Amesbury and Merrimacwho wanted to help families in need to put food on thetable. Local parishes and funders provide financialsupport, allowing the Center to purchase fresh produceand gift cards for local markets. Food donations are alsoprovided by local civic organizations and our partneragency Project Bread: The Walk for Hunger. Seasonalcrops are also available through community gardenprograms and local farmers. Individuals/Families mayvisit the food pantry twice each month to receive foodassistance.
Our food comes from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank,The Lions Club, the Postal Food Drive, Pennies forPoverty, and our community.
Emergency Food, Shelter, Rent, UtilityProgram (EFSP)(for residents of Amesbury & Merrimac only)EFSP is a federally funded financial assistance programdesigned to provide emergency support to individualsand families having difficulty keeping up withhousehold bills, including rent, mortgage, and utilities(excluding telephone, cable and Internet). Funds areavailable on a limited basis and are allocated on a firstcome-first serve basis after completing a client intakeprocess and determining eligibility. To make anappointment, call (978) 388-2570.