NEWBURY — After years of giving back to the Greater Newburyport community, a local woman is being recognized for her service by Congressman Seth Moulton.
Jane Merrow, co-founder of First Parish Newbury Food Pantry, is being honored by the Democratic lawmaker from Salem for her work combating local food insecurity.
Merrow is one of six honorees in the state’s 6th Congressional District that is in the running for the Peter J. Gomes Service Award this year.
Gomes was a mentor to Moulton, who created the award in his honor in 2016, according to a press release.
“The late Rev. Professor Gomes was a Christian minister who served for nearly 40 years in The Memorial Church of Harvard University. As a preacher, teacher, and leader, he influenced many with his wit and wisdom and, above all, with his commitment to service. Reverend Professor Gomes was Congressman Moulton’s mentor and friend, ultimately inspiring him to sign up to serve in the Marines and later to run for Congress. The award honors those who demonstrate a similar level of commitment to service and community,” the release said.
Merrow founded the all-volunteer food pantry in 2015 and has worked tirelessly to feed members of the community in need and started nine school food pantry programs locally.
“Several years ago, we wanted to do something for the homeless population in the area,” she said. “And, when we were meeting, I found that there’s a federal mandate that every school has to have someone who is in charge of the homeless children. And, I was just shocked by that, I didn’t even know. And, it might be kids that are going couch to couch or in motels or in cars. But, I said, ‘We need to do something for those people, that’s what we’re going to do.’”
So, it came as no surprise to many when Merrow was nominated by one of her volunteers and selected as an honoree.
Merrow said she attributes the pantry’s success to the work of her volunteers.
“I’m honored but I’m very humbled. Because, to me, it’s not just about me, because it is 100% volunteer. We are blessed with these amazing people that come in every single week and several days during the week. It’s humbling, it’s just humbling. And, I can only accept it on behalf of all the volunteers. Because it’s not just one person. It’s an incredible honor,” she said.
Caroline Monahan, a First Parish Food Pantry volunteer, praised Merrow’s leadership style and said she is always kind to those who volunteer at the pantry or come to visit.
“She’s just very dedicated. If there’s any question or any concern, she drops what she’s doing and listens,” Monahan said. “She’s good at listening, she’s good at managing people, and directing them and making them feel welcome and everybody knows how grateful she is for all the help.”
Merrow is not the only local resident being recognized by Moulton. Bonnie Schultz, executive director of the Among Friends Meal program at St. Paul’s Church in Newburyport, has also been named an honoree.
Schultz has served as Among Friends’ executive director for 27 years and coordinates giving out more than 400 meals to people in need each week, according to Moulton’s office.
All of the award’s honorees will be celebrated and the 2025 award winner will be announced at a ceremony tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 at Saint Joseph’s Hall in Salem.
Schultz could not be reached for comment.