Turkey Trot in Franklin on Thanksgiving to Benefit Franklin Food Pantry

It’s a worthwhile price to pay when you register for the annual Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run and Walk to be held Thanksgiving morning. The registration fee of $20, or 20 nonperishable food items, will go directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help those in need during this holiday season. 

Sponsored by Feed the Need, the event begins and ends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) at 91 Jordan Road in Franklin. The race, open to runners and walkers of all ages, is a great opportunity for the entire family to get out and exercise together before their traditional Thanksgiving feast. And, there’s the added benefit of helping to relieve hunger in the community. 

“We are inspired by the great turnout for the Franklin race,” said Erin Lynch, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to truly appreciate what they have, but also an occasion to think of others who are struggling to put food on their tables. The Turkey Trot rallies our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. We are grateful to Feed the Need for spearheading the race and raising awareness about our own need in Franklin.” 

The November 26 race will begin at 8 a.m. To participate in the Turkey Trot, you can pre-register online at www.feedtheneed.org; or sign up the day of the race from 7 – 8 a.m., or 7 – 9 p.m. the night before, at the LDS Church. The first 100 race participants to register Wednesday night will receive race t-shirts. For those interested in making food donations instead of the $20 registration fee, the Pantry is in most need of tuna, canned fruit, and health and hygiene products such as deodorant. 

For more information, call 508-520-9864.

The entire Kilburn family of Franklin was among the almost 400 individuals who participated in last year’s Turkey Trot. They will be trotting again this year in support of the Franklin Food Pantry. Pictured, left to right, are Molly, Chris, Maddy, Bridget, Tom, Nate, and family friend Niamh O’Sullivan of Cumberland, RI.

The Franklin Food Pantry serves more than 600 households in Franklin. Eligible individuals can visit the Pantry every 30 days for supplemental food assistance and household necessities. In addition, clients can access bread and fresh produce daily. Emergency food bags and seasonal items, such as holiday meal packages, are also provided. 

There is no charge to clients for Pantry items or services. Other programs include a Mobile Pantry for people who have difficulty getting to the downtown location; Cooking Matters classes that teach families how to shop smarter and cook delicious, affordable meals; and a Healthy Futures Market that offers fresh produce weekly from June to October. 

The organization depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners, schools, churches and community members. For more information, or to make a donation, visit franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.