The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce the appointment of lifelong Franklin resident Tom Mercer to its Board of Directors. Tom brings decades of public service, local governance expertise, and business leadership to the organization as it continues its mission to alleviate food insecurity.
Tom’s extensive record of civic involvement includes 10 years on the Franklin School Committee and 14 years on the Franklin Town Council. He has also chaired several of the town's major municipal construction initiatives, overseeing projects for Franklin High School, the Franklin Senior Center, and the Horace Mann/Oak Street/ECDC School Complex.
The addition of Tom comes at a crucial time for The Pantry, as demand for hunger-relief services increases. His strategic governance background will support The Pantry's ongoing operations, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability efforts.
"I am honored to join the Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors," said Tom. "The Pantry plays an important role in ensuring our neighbors have access to essential resources. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and volunteers to advance The Pantry’s mission and ensure Franklin remains a supportive community for everyone."
Beyond his public service, Tom serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fuller Box Company, where he has led business development for more than 45 years. He is also actively involved with Dean College, the Franklin Performing Arts Company, and the Franklin Country Club.
The Pantry also extends its sincere gratitude to departing board members Oona Harrington and David Stott for their dedicated service and contributions to the organization.
About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 2,411 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Distribution, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, Food is Medicine Initiatives, and the SNAP Match at Franklin Farmers’ Market.
The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.
