Franklin Food Pantry to Hold Annual Food Elves Campaign

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs to more than 1,300 individuals each year, will hold the 18th annual Food Elves Campaign.  This holiday season, middle and high school students will volunteer as Food Elves and solicit monetary donations for The Pantry in their neighborhoods and online. 

Franklin Food Pantry to Hold Annual Food Elves Campaign

The need for assistance is particularly high this year as The Pantry has seen a sharp increase in client registrations and visits since moving to its new location in the summer of 2023. In September, average weekly visits to The Pantry increased by 36 percent compared to the same month last year. By participating in the Food Elves Campaign, the community can help alleviate the rising demand and provide relief for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

“The Food Elves Campaign was launched in 2005, and thanks to the dedication and volunteerism of hundreds of young adults and the generosity of Franklin residents, the program has grown into The Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. 

“Last year, more than 240 students raised over $93,000 and we hope to exceed last year’s number to meet the growing demand in Franklin and beyond.” 

In addition to helping address hunger, the Food Elves Campaign provides valuable opportunities for youth. Volunteering can help improve self-esteem, develop career skills and interests, build relationships, and educate teens on issues affecting their community. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Food Elf can register online and receive a detailed toolkit with instructions and guidance from a parent in their assigned district. Volunteers receive up to 12 community service hours. The deadline to sign up as an in-person Food Elf is Nov. 8, and Nov. 30 for an online-only Food Elf.

Franklin residents can expect to receive a purple Franklin Food Pantry donation envelope and collection instructions from their neighborhood Food Elf following the Thanksgiving holiday. Donations can also be mailed to The Pantry or made online. For more information about becoming a Food Elf or supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, 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 http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ for more information.