Franklin Food Pantry wins grant from Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation (BCSCF)

"Bristol County Savings Bank’s Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation (BCSCF) awarded grants totaling $531,975 to 58 non-profit organizations in the Taunton/Attleboro, New Bedford-Dartmouth/Fall River and northern Rhode Island regions during a ceremony today at White’s of Westport in Westport, Massachusetts.  

Since the Foundation was formed in 1996, more than $32 million has been committed to hundreds of different non-profits in the communities the Bank serves.  In 2023, the Foundation awarded a record $2.3 million to various 501(c)(3) organizations"

Among the grant winners were the Franklin Food Pantry Incorporated ($10,000)

Shared from -> https://www.bristolcountysavings.com/news/bcscf-awards-$531,975-in-grants-to-58-non-profits

Franklin Food Pantry wins grant from Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation (BCSCF)

La Cantina fRUNdraiser to Support Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team - July 19

Support the Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team by attending a fRUNdraiser at La Cantina Winery 230 Cottage St. in Franklin on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.  Tickets are $30 and include live music, door prizes, choice of beverage, and small bites. 

All proceeds benefit The Pantry. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at: https://bit.ly/45XZ7OZ

 

The 52nd running of the Falmouth Road Race takes place on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Volunteer and Board Member Amber Baur leads The Pantry’s team of six runners as they take on the iconic 7-mile seaside course and raise money to fight food insecurity in our community.

 

For more information, visit The Pantry’s website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org/falmouthroadrace

La Cantina fRUNdraiser to Support Franklin Food Pantry’s Falmouth Road Race Team - July 19

Franklin Food Pantry fundraiser at La Cantina Winery July 19

Join us on Friday, July 19, 2024 at La Cantina Winery to support The Pantry’s team of runners led by Amber Baur as they commit to running the Falmouth Road Race! 

Tickets are $30 each and include entry, door prize ticket, and a beverage. Proceeds will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Get tickets here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/falmouthroadrace

Franklin Food Pantry fundraiser at La Cantina Winery

Shared from -> 

https://www.facebook.com/share/PBDi8gmPBTNQqynv/

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded $24,929 Community Investment Grant from The Greater Boston Food Bank

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, awarded nearly $25,000 to the Franklin Food Pantry to support its ability to empower food insecure neighbors, bolstering GBFB’s network of food distribution agencies and advancing hunger-relief efforts across Eastern Massachusetts in response to the continuing hunger crisis in the state. 

The annual grant program, originally founded in 2013, has now been investing in GBFB partner agencies for over a decade. This investment aims to strengthen The Pantry’s ability to provide nutritious food to the Franklin community. The grant will be used to fund the addition of a Support Services Coordinator who will enhance The Pantry’s client programs and services, and food procurement and processing systems. Individuals interested in the new position can learn more HERE.

“The support The Pantry has received from Greater Boston Food Bank has been instrumental in alleviating food insecurity in Franklin,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director Franklin Food Pantry. “We’re grateful to receive the Community Investment Grant to strengthen our team and in-turn our community.” 

This grant coincides with GBFB’s fourth annual report on food insecurity, equity and access in Massachusetts. The 2024 study, “Opportunities to Improve Food Equity & Access in Massachusetts,” reveals consistently high rates of food insecurity in the state and sustained disparities in food access for communities of color and households with children.

“GBFB’s network of dedicated agency partners continue to inspire us to be innovative in our efforts to address food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO at GBFB. “With sustained inequities in food access across our region, we aim to continue to invest in those communities facing a heightened need for food and drive progress towards hunger relief through strategic grantmaking to our network of agency partners. As the cost of living in our region continues to rise, we look forward to seeing how these funds bolster Franklin Food Pantry’s s ability to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors in Franklin.”

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.:

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. As the food bank for Eastern Massachusetts, GBFB is feeding people in 190 towns across the region, distributing the equivalent of nearly 90 million meals through a network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs. A member of the national Feeding America network, GBFB’s mission is to end hunger here. The organization remains committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617-427-5200.

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded $24,929 Community Investment Grant  from The Greater Boston Food Bank

Franklin Food Pantry: Celebrating One Year at 341 W. Central St.

Dear Friend,

This June marks one year since The Pantry moved to 341 W. Central St.! We have grown so much and are serving more neighbors through in-person shopping, curbside distribution, weekend backpacks, home delivery, and more. We have also expanded our food rescue partnerships and offer more choices including culturally appropriate food. 

Our team of volunteers has grown to over 300 individuals, and we are strengthening our commitment to sustainability by installing solar panels and launching a compost program. All that we have accomplished is because of YOU! We are grateful for our volunteers, donors, business partners, and clients. The support we have received is a true testament to the generosity and kindness in our community and I am proud to call Franklin home. 

Unfortunately, hunger in Franklin persists. This month, our partner the Greater Boston Food Bank released its fourth annual statewide study Food Equity and Access in Massachusetts: Voices and Solutions from Lived Experience. Many of the key takeaways mirror our experience at The Pantry: the cost of living and food is too high; people must choose between buying food or paying for housing, utilities, education, or transportation; food insecurity exacerbates many medical and mental health conditions; SNAP, WIC, and school meals are not enough. 

While we are excited about our one-year anniversary, we know that there is more work to be done and remain committed to meeting the growing demand for food assistance.

Donate and Help Fight Hunger https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-gifts/

Help us celebrate our one-year anniversary by getting involved with The Pantry – host a food or fund drive, make a monetary donation, or volunteer. There are so many ways to help us fight food insecurity and we can’t do it without you.

With gratitude and appreciation for your continued support,

Tina Powderly

Executive Director, 

Franklin Food Pantry

Read the Greater Boston Food Bank Report -> https://www.gbfb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GBFB_Food-Access-Report_2024_final.pdf

Franklin Food Pantry: Celebrating One Year at 341 W. Central St.

Franklin Food Pantry celebrates their One Year Anniversary at 341 West Central St

From the Franklin Food Pantry:

"Happy one year anniversary!

That’s right - it’s been one year since we moved to 341 W. Central St.! We are grateful to the Franklin community and everyone who has supported our mission for more than 30 years.

We have come so far but there is more work to be done – and the best way to celebrate with us is to support us!

Please make a monetary contribution to The Panty. No amount is too small (or too big!) and will make a lasting impact in strengthening our community.

Thank you, Franklin!!!

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=6

 

Franklin Food Pantry celebrates their One Year Anniversary at 341 West Central St

Click through to Facebook to view the highlight video ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/h7vAVMSuDgv9ZUPs/

Community Comes Together to Remember “Somewhere, Someone’s Bowl is Empty”, raises over $17,000

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs, is pleased to partner with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club for the 9th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser to bring awareness to food insecurity and hunger in the community. The event took place on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Franklin High School and included a simple supper of soup and bread. More than 250 members of the community attended, and each received a handcrafted ceramic bowl made by a club member as a reminder that somewhere, someone's bowl is empty. More than $17,500 was raised from this year’s event which will help The Pantry purchase food and personal care items, offer programs and services, and support daily operations.

9th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Empty Bowls is a grassroots effort by artists and crafts people in cities and towns around the world to feed people experiencing hunger. Since 2016, the Empty Bowls Club fundraisers have raised nearly $95,000 for The Pantry. Franklin High School teacher Brenna Johnson advises the club and encourages students to utilize their talents to help make a positive impact in their community.

Sponsors of the event included: J.M. Aldrich, Allegra Print and Marketing, Franklin Cultural Council, America's Best Defense, Elizabeth's Bagels, Fenton Financial Group, Mount Street Farm, QRGA Certified Public Accountants, Advanced European Repair, All Around Gymnastics Academy, The Baur Family, Chestnut Dental, Eagle Stainless Tube and Fabrication, Feet in Motion School of Dance, Franklin Matters, Grove Street Auto Repair, Knights of Columbus Franklin Council #1847, and Next9Up. Food and beverages for the event were provided by Big Y Supermarket, BJ’s Wholesale Club, 3 Restaurant, Franklin Food Services, and Whole Foods Market.  Silent auction items included ceramic pieces from club members, a rendition of the Massachusetts State House by State Representative Jeffrey Roy, and impressive items from Fiori & Fern, Learning Express, and the New England Patriots Foundation. 

“The Empty Bowls Club’s dedication and commitment to bringing awareness to food insecurity is truly inspiring,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Demand for supplemental food assistance and our services is up 41 percent vs. last year, and the students and school staff are a shining example of what our community can do when we come together.”

Photos of the event, courtesy of Linda Rondeau Photography, are available for use HERE. For more information about supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, or to attend an upcoming event, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to people in the Franklin community. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts, on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Get Your Tickets for the Empty Bowls Dinner Thursday, May 23 at 6 PM

Get your tickets for the 9th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner! The event will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Franklin High School cafeteria from 6 to 8 PM. 

The Empty Bowls Club students have been hard at work making hundreds of bowls for this upcoming community event. There will be a simple dinner of soup and bread, music from FHS students, a ceramic bowl for each attendee, and a selfie booth.

Silent Auction items include:

• Fiori & Fern custom gift basket
• New England Patriots autographed photo of Jonathan Jones
• One week of summer camp at Feet in Motion School of Dance
• Ceramic pieces created by the Empty Bowls Club students
• A special work made by Rep. Jeff Roy

The Pantry will also unveil preliminary findings from our current strategic planning process at the event.

Online tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for students/children 18 years old and younger.  Get tickets -> https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=86

Ticket prices increase to $25/$15 at the door on the day of the event. Cash or check only, please.

All proceeds support the Franklin Food Pantry. If you can't make it to this event, you can find other ways to support the pantry with one time or recurring gifts -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-gifts/

Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this event.

Get Your Tickets for the Empty Bowls Dinner Thursday, May 23 at 6 PM

Thanks to the Empty Bowls Sponsors! Get your tickets for May 23

Via Franklin Food Pantry: 

Empty Bowls is Thursday, May 23!  

Don't miss this family friendly event which is made possible by our many sponsors including Advanced European Repair, All Around Gymnastic Academy, the Baur Family (Amber Baur), Chestnut Dental, Eagle Stainless Tube and Fabrication, Feet in Motion School of Dance, Franklin Matters (Stephen Sherlock), Grove Street Auto Repair, Knights of Columbus #1847, and Next9Up .  

Thank you sponsors!

Get your tickets at https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/emptybowls/

Thanks to the Empty Bowls Sponsors! Get your tickets for May 23

Yes, I am proud to be a sponsor for this event to create awareness around of food insecurity needs.  Did you catch my conversation with the Empty Bowls leadership team?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/this-episode-talks-about-working-with.html

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/uMPu3K3uzMKKVYTV/

Franklin Food Pantry says "Thank you" for more than 11,000 pounds of food for "Stamp Out Hunger" campaign

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Franklin, Massachusetts letter carriers participated in the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

More than 11,000 pounds of food was collected from Franklin residents, which equates to more than 9,000 meals. The Pantry extends its gratitude to the letter carriers who filled their truck with the much-needed food. 

Thank you to the generous residents of Franklin, the committed volunteers who sorted and restocked the food, Stop & Shop in Franklin for lending grocery carts to easily transport the food, the extra support from Jim Sierra, and the Franklin Senior Center for providing the extra space to collect, check, and sort the food.

grocery carts helped to unload the postal vans

carts brought the bags to the processing line where they were weighed & sorted

the sorting line

Reminder: Help the Food Pantry with the Stamp Out Hunger campaign on Saturday

The Franklin Food Pantry is partnering with Franklin letter carriers for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive taking place Saturday, May 11, 2024, Franklin residents are encouraged to leave a bag of nonperishable food items by their mailbox. Letter carriers will collect the donations and deliver the items to the Franklin Food Pantry.

For more information on Stamp Out Hunger, including The Pantry's greatest needs -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/

Did you get your brown paper bag this week?

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 1

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive 2

Did you catch the Franklin Food Pantry on TV? (3 min video)

"Did you catch the Franklin Food Pantry on NBC10 Boston and NECN?   

Check out how we're using the Citizens Champions in Action Award to build community and nourish neighbors!"

Video link -> https://www.nbcboston.com/entertainment/hub-today/how-the-franklin-food-pantry-goes-beyond-the-food/3348726/

Did you catch the Franklin Food Pantry on TV? (3 min video)

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/kZaaJwTuke2mvViq/

Franklin Food Pantry Thanks Volunteers with Celebratory Luncheon

President’s Volunteer Service Award Presented to 28 Individuals for Exemplary Service

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and essential service programs, held a volunteer luncheon to recognize and celebrate pantry volunteers who collectively gave more than 10,000 hours in 2023 to help end food insecurity. 

Held on April 24, 2024, the event took place during National Volunteer Appreciation Month and included special guests Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, and Franklin Town Board Members Cobi Frongillo and Mel Hamblen. 

Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (R) presents David Bascom (L) with the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award at the Franklin Food Pantry’s annual volunteer lunch

New England Chapel of Franklin donated space for the luncheon, East Central Starbucks and Twist Bakery donated refreshments and food, and Shaw’s Supermarkets and The Chateau provided items at a discounted cost.

The celebration included presentation of the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 28 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 Amber Baur and Community Garden volunteers. 
• The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was presented to Diane Daddario, Suzanne Gendreau, Joseph O’Koren, Kym Pruitt, and Maureen Sabolinski. 
• The Bronze Award, for 100 to 174 volunteer hours, was presented to Dominic Agostino, David Bascom, Chris Bond, Colleen Bond, Teresa Burr, Vicki Coates, Erika Cummings, David Custer, Mary Anne Dean, Kim DeCrescenzo, Robert Doyle, Angela Draper, Rachel Flum, Karen Guiliano, Richard Guiliano, Pat Llewellyn, Carol Malachowski, Donna O’Neill, Scott Pond, Nancy Schoen, and Roberta Trahan.

“Frankin Food Pantry volunteers are extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their time, effort, and compassion to serve our community,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director Franklin Food Pantry. “Their commitment alleviates hunger and plants the seeds of empowerment, dignity, and resilience within our community.”  

Franklin Food Pantry Volunteer and Board of Director's Chairperson Rachel Flum (L) with Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Tina Powderly (R) at the annual volunteer luncheon

Each week, more than 100 individuals volunteer at The Pantry, which strives to make the volunteer experience both welcoming and rewarding. The Pantry recently conducted a volunteer survey with 99 percent of respondents stating they enjoyed working with other volunteers, felt appreciated, found staff helpful, and are very satisfied with their volunteer experience. In 2022 and 2023, The Pantry was voted as Best Place to Volunteer by Myfm 101.3’s Quest for the Best contest.

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, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. 

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

Photos by: Lynn Ann Falvey and David Marshak, Stony Brook Camera Club 

Help Stamp Out Hunger! Saturday, May 11, 2024

Food insecurity in our community is on the rise, but you can help! 

Please place non-perishable food donations in a bag, place the bag near your mailbox on Saturday, May 11, 2024, and your mail carrier will deliver your donation to the Franklin Food Pantry.

For details on what items we accept, please visit https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/stampouthunger/

Help Stamp Out Hunger

Download a copy of the flyer to share or as a reminder ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gmMTZWp6v6nxDJ3sWqm2XZ_rCm6jZVY/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin letter carriers will collect for Stamp Out Hunger on May 11 

This episode talks about working with clay and words to create awareness around Empty Bowls 2024 (audio)

FM #1183 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1183 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Brenna Johnson, Franklin High School art/ceramics teacher and Empty Bowls (EB) coordinator. We met to record in the ceramics room at FHS on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. 

The FHS EBers introduce themselves as we go around the table: 

• Kira Magliari, Senior, EB Social Media, continuing a family tradition of participating in Empty Bowls, has made a Silent Auction piece, helped make the Jeff Roy Project this year

• Allie Maccalous, Senior, EB President, in AP3D Ceramics this year, assists in running Empty Bowls administratively each week, has made several Silent Auction pieces over the years, helped with the Jeff Roy Project this year

• Bridget Kennedy, Senior, EB Secretary, in AP3D Ceramics & Independent Study in Ceramics this year, has made several Silent Auction pieces

 

The conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with the FHS Empty Bowls Club leadership team. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1183-empty-bowls-2024-working-with-clay-words-04-23-24

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Tickets for the Empty Bowls Dinner May 23 -> https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=86 

Buy a T-shirts for Empty Bowls -> https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx?TID=32256 

Steve’s poem dedicated to Brenna Johnson and the Empty Bowls Club -> https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/03/please-should-not-be-needed.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This episode talks about working with clay and words to create awareness around Empty Bowls 2024 (audio)