The Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County began in 1981 when three friends, Jane Quire, Terri Fadse, and Alice LeMaster, recognized that families in Franklin County were struggling under the pressure of a failing local economy. As social service professionals, they saw the impact on children, working parents, and seniors who were doing their best but still could not make ends meet. They knew something had to change.

Their call to action spread quickly. Churches, community groups, and local agencies came together with a shared purpose, and on October twenty sixth in 1981 the Pantry’s first Board of Directors was formed. What began as a small and simple effort carried a mission that was both strong and clear.

Provide a crisis food center so families in need could receive immediate help.
Operate with dedicated volunteers to ensure food was distributed with dignity and efficiency.
Unite the community around the work of feeding neighbors in times of need.

From those three candles of hope, the Pantry has grown into a light that still shines today. More than fifty volunteers keep the work moving each week. They gather donations, organize shelves, fill orders, and offer a welcoming presence to every family who seeks support. A volunteer Board still leads the Pantry with the same commitment that shaped its beginning: neighbors serving neighbors, powered by generosity, compassion, and community.