Pictured are PlumFest President Shannon Kinney, Rosemary Turgeon, Nourishing the North Shore Development Director and Shanon Heckethorn, PlumFest Benefactions Team Lead
NEWBURYPORT, MA – PlumFest, the annual celebration of music and community on Plum Island, is proud to announce a $1,250 donation to Nourishing the North Shore (NNS). This contribution, funded by proceeds from the 2025 festival, directly supports NNS’s mission to ensure equitable access to nutritious, locally grown food for residents across the greater Newburyport area.
“We believe our community is most successful when all of its members can feed themselves and their families with dignity,” said Rosemary Turgeon, Development Director Nourishing the North Shore. “Support from local partners like PlumFest allows us to continue building a food system that nourishes both the land and the people who live here.”
Pictured are PlumFest President Shannon Kinney, Rosemary Turgeon, Nourishing the North Shore Development Director and Shanon Heckethorn, PlumFest Benefactions Team Lead
The donation comes at a critical time as Nourishing the North Shore ramps up its seasonal operations. This year, NNS has already distributed more than 23,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to local food pantries and meal programs, serving food-insecure neighbors throughout the region. Beginning next month, NNS will launch seven weekly free VEGOUT Farmers Markets at area senior centers and social service agencies.
“PlumFest is deeply honored to partner with Nourishing the North Shore in support of their vital work,” said Shannon Kinney, President of PlumFest. “As a volunteer-run organization ourselves, we know that the strength of our community lies in how we care for one another. Tackling food insecurity is more than just a charitable act—it’s a commitment to the dignity and health of our neighbors, and it sits at the very heart of why we do what we do.”
Mark Your Calendars for PlumFest 2026
The PlumFest team is already hard at work preparing for this year’s festivities. The 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026 (with a rain date of Sunday, September 13).
To make this year a success, PlumFest is currently seeking hosts and volunteers to help bring the music to life. Whether you have a porch to share or a few hours to lend a hand, your participation keeps this community tradition alive. Interested neighbors can sign up directly at plumfest.org.
A Landmark Year of Giving
This contribution is part of a significant year of philanthropy for PlumFest. In 2026, the organization donated a total of $25,800 to vital local programs, including:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lower Merrimack Valley: Funding for the music room, podcast studio, and after-school programs.
- Our Neighbor’s Table: Assisting with local food donations and emergency services.
- Newburyport Education Foundation (NEF): Purchasing drums for the Nock Middle School drum line.
- Plum Island Foundation: Protecting local beaches and coastal resources.
- Plum Island Beautification Committee: Purchasing flowers to enhance the island’s natural beauty.
For more information about PlumFest, how to get involved, or to see the full list of community impact initiatives, please visit plumfest.org.
About PlumFest: PlumFest is a community-run music festival held on Plum Island, MA. Its mission is to celebrate local talent and the beauty of the island while raising funds for local non-profits and community initiatives. You can learn how to be a performer, host, and volunteer on our website plumfest.org
About Nourishing the North Shore: Nourishing the North Shore (NNS) works to ensure equitable access to nutritious food across greater Newburyport by supporting local agriculture, expanding food distribution programs, and building a more resilient regional food system.
