REGIONAL – Two veteran food bank leaders have been honored for their efforts to fight food insecurity in the Merrimack Valley.
Jane Merrow who heads the First Parish Church Food Pantry in Newbury, and Bonnie Schultz, the volunteer director of the Among Friends Meal Program at St. Paul’s Church in Newburyport, were awarded the Rev. Peter Gomes award by U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem.
The award honors the legacy of Gomes, who served nearly 40 years at The Memorial Church of Harvard University. Gomes, a mentor and friend to Moulton, inspired him to join the Marines and later run for Congress. The annual award recognizes those who share his dedication to service and community.
Merrow co-founded the First Parish Newbury Food Pantry in 2015. What began as a small effort has grown under her leadership to serve more than 750 people each week across seven communities. She works with more than 250 volunteers, organizes food drives, and partners with schools, farms, and local businesses to recover surplus food. In 2024 alone, the pantry rescued over 16,000 pounds of food and helped launch nine school-based pantries that support more than 250 students.
Schultz for 25 years has made her way to St. Paul’s every week to make sure neighbors in need have access to a warm meal backed by a team of loyal help. The program provides more than 400 meals weekly, with a team of over 65 volunteers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schultz expanded the program to include home deliveries, a service that continues today. She has also led fundraising efforts and guided recent kitchen renovations at the church to support the program’s growth.
For more information or to make a donation, contact the Newbury Food Pantry at info@newburyfoodpantry.org or call 978-358-1077.
Both programs are part of a regional network of food pantries that are assisted by the Seacoast Regional Food Hub in Salisbury.
Our Neighbor’s Table has named Greg Ezell, the program director, as the interim executive director for the regional food bank. ♦
