Franklin Food Pantry Announces Launch of Final Phase of Campaign

The Franklin Food Pantry announced today that it has reached more than 56% of its campaign goal of $3.5 million and is inviting the public to participate in the final phase of the campaign.

Ten years ago, the Pantry’s Board of Directors, anticipating that demand for its programs and services would continue to grow in the future, decided to purchase a building that would offer larger and more efficient space. The Pantry spent the next decade evaluating space options and preparing for the purchase of its first permanent home, including beginning the silent phase of its campaign in earnest in 2022. In December of 2023, The Pantry purchased the iconic former Edwin’s building at 341 W. Central St. Renovations were completed in May and The Pantry commenced offering services at its new location in June.

Having raised more than 56% of its campaign goal, The Pantry is now inviting the public to participate in the campaign.

Tina Powderly, Executive Director said, “Our new building is truly a dream come true for our community! So many people have supported us and helped us to design a truly warm, welcoming, and dignified space for our neighbors who need a little bit of support and love. We have said from the beginning, ‘It’s not about the building, it’s about what we will DO in the building that matters!’ 

“In recent months we have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our programs and services. In June of 2022, we served 298 households; this June, we served 367. Since moving into the new building, we have enrolled more than 45 new clients. While our new space increased refrigerator and freezer capacity by almost 200% (from 418 CF to 1192 CF), we need to fill those shelves with food to meet the staggering demand. We need the community’s help now more than ever.”

Suzanne Gendreau, Campaign Chair, said: “This campaign has always been about three things: the purchase and renovation of a building that would support serving more people in our community with the healthy food and other household goods they need; enhancing our programs and services; and securing funds to pay for future building expenses. We are grateful for the support we’ve received so far, and now we are asking everyone to pitch in to the best of their abilities to help our neighbors in need. This isn’t about doing good for someone else; it is about doing good for all of us!”

The Pantry is inviting the public in for scheduled guided tours beginning this month. To sign up, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4b7myjnj 

To make a campaign contribution, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/6cx926ef 

About the Franklin Food Pantry  

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. 

We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. 

The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information. 

 

Franklin Food Pantry Announces Launch of Final Phase of Campaign