Jane Merrow of Newbury Announced as Winner of 2025 Peter J. Gomes Service Award
SALEM, MA - Jane Merrow of Newbury is the winner of the 10th Annual Peter J. Gomes Service Award. Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) presented the award at a ceremony in Salem last night, during which five additional honorees were also recognized for their remarkable contributions to their communities.
Merrow is the co-founder of a food pantry that has grown into a large-scale operation serving more than 750 people and coordinating over 250 volunteers. She has partnered with local businesses and restaurants to rescue surplus food that would otherwise be discarded, transforming potential waste into nourishment. She ensures service accessibility by having volunteers call over 130 households each week to take food orders and deliver directly to them. Most recently, Jane collaborated with the local school district to open pantries in nine schools, serving over 250 students.
Massachusetts continues to confront serious food insecurity: in 2024, more than one in three households — around two million adults — experienced food insecurity at some point during the year.
“Jane Merrow’s remarkable work doesn’t just fill empty plates, it bridges gaps,” said Congressman Moulton. “She has helped build systems that serve community members who too often slip through the cracks of society. Her partnership with schools, businesses, and a vast network of volunteers shows how effective leadership rooted in compassion really can be. I am grateful to her, along with our other impressive award honorees, for their contributions to our local communities.”
The Peter J. Gomes Service Award celebrates individuals whose service reflects the values of Reverend Professor Peter J. Gomes: integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community. Alongside Ms. Merrow, five other honorees were acknowledged during the award ceremony on Wednesday for their outstanding dedication to public service.
Information about each of the other 2025 honorees can be found here. More information about the Gomes Award can be found here.
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