Three Candles Still Burn Brightly

The initial motivation to create a local food pantry began in 1981 by three friends (Jane Quire, Terri Fadse and Allice LeMaster) who believed that something local needed to be done to address the economic and social disintegration of families in Franklin County Kentucky.  As social service professionals, they saw the disastrous effects of a failing local economy on families and children.  After spreading the word about the severity of the need, people from other social service agencies and churches gathered at subsequent developmental meetings.  The idea spread to meet the growing need.  A Board of Directors was formed in October 26, 1981. 

Although it started on a small scale, its mission was grand: 

1. establish a crisis food center where members of the social delivery system can obtain food for their clients in need.
2. operate the Pantry with volunteers on a professional basis to effect an efficient and functional distribution of food.
3. strengthen the relationship of churches, community organizations, social service agencies and interested citizens.

Over 50 volunteers staff the Food Pantry, Monday through Friday. Our volunteers do a wide variety of tasks: pick up donations, stock shelves, fill orders, keep the pantry tidy, etc. The Food Pantry is run by a volunteer Board, all of whom are actively involved in the Food Pantry in different ways.

As a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, the mission continues today serving 10,887 neighbors in 2019.

Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County

2025 – Board members

Gil Lawson President	Jonathan Vaught Past President
Regina-Wink Swinford Past President	John Heltzel Past President
Jim Jackson Past President	Michael Burns Treasurer
Vada Shelton Secretary	Danny Dailey Volunteer Coordinator
William Canon III	Bill Tabor
Charlie Booze	Junior Lewis
Pat McClain	Mary Pat Dobbins
Tasha Gray	Alan Hess
Connie Lemley Ex Officio	Greg Pelfrey Ex Officio