History of the Medway Food Pantries
Medway Food Pantry
In 2026, the Medway Village Food Pantry and the Medway Food Pantry at Mahan unified at 74 Main Street in Medway, creating a stronger, more connected response to food insecurity in our community. This unification marked an important new chapter for Medway, bringing together two longstanding organizations with a shared mission of supporting neighbors in need. By joining forces in one location, the pantry is able to combine the strengths of both organizations, expand its reach, and better serve the community with dignity, compassion, and care. This significant step forward would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of Marilyn Conley and Paul Galante, whose years of service laid the foundation for where we are today. Because of their commitment to this work and to the people of Medway, we are able to continue their legacy and move forward together.
Medway Village Food Pantry
The Medway Village Food Pantry began in 2004, when Marilyn Conley started the pantry out of two cabinets in the kitchen of Fellowship Hall at Medway Village Church. What began as a small effort rooted in compassion grew over the years into an important source of support for neighbors facing food insecurity.
In 2017, Susan Dietrich stepped into the role of Director, while Marilyn continued to remain an integral part of the pantry team. After years of dedicated service to the community, Marilyn retired in December 2024.
In March 2023, the Medway Village Food Pantry reached another important milestone by becoming its own 501(c)(3) charitable organization, strengthening its foundation for future growth and service.
Medway Food Pantry at Mahan Circle
The Medway Food Pantry at Mahan Circle has served the Medway community for decades as a ministry of St. Joseph Parish, providing food and support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Over the years, it has been a place where neighbors could turn for assistance, compassion, and hope.
In 2015, Paul Galante became Director of the pantry and led its revitalization and growth. Under his leadership, the pantry expanded its reach, strengthened community partnerships, and built a dedicated network of volunteers and supporters. Through times of both stability and challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the pantry remained committed to ensuring that local families had access to nutritious food and essential resources.
After ten years of dedicated service, Paul retired in 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to those in need. His leadership helped shape the pantry into a trusted and vital resource for the community and laid the groundwork for its future.
Today, the legacy of the Medway Food Pantry at Mahan Circle continues through the unified organization, carrying forward its mission of serving neighbors with dignity, respect, and care.