Building a Stronger
South Shore
South Shore Food Bank is redefining what it means to be a food bank. We are a regional catalyst for food equity, moving beyond emergency relief to build long-term resilience for the entire South Shore. Our work strengthens the very foundation of the region by supporting our pantry partners, cultivating local leadership, and creating community-led solutions rooted in dignity and choice. We operate from a place of collective strength, believing in an 'all hands in' approach to build a future where every neighbor can thrive.
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Our primary goal is to create a South Shore where everyone has reliable access to the food they need. We actively work to address disparities and break down barriers like transportation, inconvenient hours, and stigma, ensuring our programs are welcoming and accessible to all, especially vulnerable populations.
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A community can only be food-secure if the right systems are in place. We operate as a regional logistics hub, providing our network of pantry partners with critical infrastructure like shared warehouse space, cold storage, and transportation, strengthening the foundation of food access for the entire region.
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To ensure our work is sustainable for the long term, we are committed to building financial resilience. This involves cultivating new and diverse funding sources, exploring earned revenue models, and expanding our network of partners to create a stable foundation for growth.
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We serve as a hub for developing and sharing innovative practices that maximize the impact of local pantries. Through first-of-its-kind programs like our mobile pantry bus and the South Shore Food Bank Leadership Academy, we empower our partners with new tools and strategies to better serve their communities.
Our Mission
We are a regional food equity catalyst providing nourishment, strengthening infrastructure, and cultivating local leadership to help communities move beyond emergency relief and toward long-term resilience.
Our work is grounded in core principles of Dignity, Equity, Inclusiveness, and Collaboration. We operate from a place of collective strength.
Our Work
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![Group of people gathered in front of a colorful bus with flags flying on poles. The bus has a sign that says 'Feed' and a website URL. The setting is outdoors with a clear blue sky and trees in the background.]()
Feed The Wey
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![An elderly man wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a dark T-shirt with colorful graphics, and multiple bracelets on his wrist, handles boxes of eggs wrapped in plastic at an outdoor farm stand with buildings and vehicles in the background.]()
Food Rescue
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![A man crouches down and tends to plants in a garden bed, with a gravel pathway between the beds, under a large tree.]()
The Pantry Garden
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![Three elderly people preparing food in a kitchen, with steam rising from macaroni and cheese in aluminum pans.]()
Made with Love Meals
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![Shelf filled with boxes and crates in a warehouse or store, with a caution sign hanging on the side that says 'Caution Wet Floor'.]()
Shared Warehouse
“I hope that anyone who comes asking for help feels welcome—that they’re included, that they’re not treated differently, and that they know this is their community.”
— Nick Bulens, Chair of the Board, South Shore Food Bank
MEET THE TEAM
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MEET THE TEAM *
Our work is led by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers committed to creating a food-secure South Shore.
Pam Denholm
Executive Director
Pam is the visionary and driving force behind the South Shore Food Bank. Described by partners as a "problem solver" with an "infectious" leadership style, Pam has transformed the South Shore Food Bank into a nationally recognized regional hub for food access and innovation. She is a passionate convener, dedicated to pulling people and organizations out of silos to create a stronger, more collaborative community network.
Nick Bulens
Chair of the Board
As chair, Nick provides the high-level, strategic oversight that guides our mission. With a deep understanding of the structural issues surrounding food access, Nick works to ensure our programs are not just meeting immediate needs, but are also building a resilient foundation for the entire region.
Angela Iaria
Treasurer
Angela Iaria serves as Treasurer of the South Shore Food Bank, bringing both precision and heart to her role. With a background in financial management and a deep commitment to food justice, Angela ensures that every dollar is stewarded with transparency and purpose. Her meticulous oversight of budgets and reporting supports our mission to expand access to nutritious food.
Kevin Donovan
Board Member
Kevin Donovan brings over 35 years of experience in business management and strategic planning to his role on the board. As a small business owner, Kevin lends his expertise in budgeting, fundraising, and organizational development to help strengthen the pantry’s operations and long-term sustainability. Passionate about equity in food access through smart, scalable solutions, Kevin is committed to ensuring the organization continues to grow its impact.
Harvey Welch
Board Member
Harvey epitomizes the idea that you should understand where you come from, in order to know where you are going. His twenty-year tenure with the organization provides a rich perspective on our background, experiences, and history. He brings wisdom and reflection, helping the board make informed decisions about our future, and set meaningful goals.
Julie Hackett
Board Member
Julie is passionate about making a meaningful impact on the food access landscape. By concentrating on the operational aspects of what makes a food pantry successful, she has helped breathe life into our strategy, moving it from concept to real world. She cares deeply about creating welcoming spaces for clients to access food with dignity and joy.
Jim Blakey
Board Member
Jim Blakey, a retired lawyer who is dedicated to our mission, brings sharp legal insight and a lifelong commitment to justice to the South Shore Food Bank. His advocacy for food access and equity strengthens our mission, while his strategic thinking helps guide policy, partnerships, and community-centered decision-making.