Celebratory Luncheon Hosted for Franklin Food Pantry Volunteers

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance, information, and referral to Franklin residents and beyond, held its annual volunteer luncheon to recognize and celebrate the more than 140 pantry volunteers who gave over 7,000 hours of time and talent in 2022 to help address food insecurity. 

The event was held at Mount Street Farm in Franklin and attended by special guests Representative Jeff Roy (D), Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Franklin Town Council Member Cobi Frongillo, and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. Shaw’s Supermarket, East Central Starbucks, The Big Apple, and 3 Restaurant provided refreshments and food for the luncheon. 

Some of the group in conversation during the event

During the celebration, Rep. Roy presented the 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 18 volunteers whose service positively impacts the Franklin Community and inspires others to act. The Gold Award, for 500+ volunteer hours in a calendar year, was presented to Community Gardens and Diane Daddario. The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was presented to Suzanne Gendreau, Chris Kilburn and Maureen Kilburn. The Bronze Award, for 100 to 174 volunteer hours, was presented to Amber Baur, Mary Anne Dean, Vicki Coates, David Custer, Rachel Flum, Donna Hines, Carol Malachowski, Donna O’Neill, Kym Pruitt, Jim Roche, Maureen Sobolewski, Nancy Schoen, and Roberta Trahan. 

“As a non-profit with limited resources and staff, we rely on committed volunteers to keep our warehouse full, our shelves stocked, and our daily operations running,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Our volunteers are the very heart of The Pantry and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and service to our community.” 

The Pantry offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, is named Best Place to Volunteer by MyFM 101.3 in 2023 and 2022, and certified as an Al!VE Service Enterprise Organization.  For more information, or to submit a volunteer application, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. 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. 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, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.