Franklin Food Pantry Experiences Unprecedented Need as Federal SNAP Benefits End

Facing unprecedented demand for food and assistance, the Franklin Food Pantry is appealing to the community for support after serving a record-breaking 215 households in a single day. The increase in households seeking assistance comes as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to end on November 1, 2025. 

In response to the growing need, The Pantry is purchasing additional food from wholesale suppliers and leveraging established partnerships with local retailers. To ensure new clients can access help, The Pantry is adding dedicated Client Support Service Hours every Wednesday from 11 AM to 1 PM. During this time, staff will focus exclusively on registering new clients, scheduling shopping appointments, and assisting with critical wraparound services (note: shopping is not available at this time). 

Franklin Food Pantry Experiences Unprecedented
Need as Federal SNAP Benefits End

“The threat to SNAP benefits has brought food insecurity to the forefront, but the reality is that demand has been rising sharply for months,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “People are losing jobs, housing costs are at historic highs, and health insurance premiums are increasing. Just this week, in a single day, we registered as many new clients as we typically did in an entire month last year. We’re committed to being here for our neighbors — but we need our community’s support to ensure that anyone who needs food can access it with dignity.” 

Individuals and organizations who want to help can provide immediate, impactful support in the following ways:

Make a Monetary Donation

The Pantry purchases food and personal care items at significant discounts and tax-free from the Greater Boston Food Bank and local retailers, making the most of every dollar donated. 

Organize a Food Drive

Mobilize coworkers, youth groups, sports teams, and clubs and collect nonperishable food and deliver to The Pantry at 341 W Central St., Franklin, MA. Be sure to register your food drive with The Pantry. A list of high priority needs can be found The Pantry’s website.

Purchase and Ship Donations though The Pantry’s Amazon Wish List 

Send items that The Pantry needs the most by using our Amazon Wish List. Please be sure to send packages to Franklin Food Pantry, C/O Postal Center, PO Box 288, 279 E Central St, Franklin, MA 02038.

Additional information on supporting The Pantry can be found online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org

To receive food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit our website for Franklin Food Pantry’s eligibility information, or contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, by email at Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org, or by phone at 508-528-3115. 

For assistance outside Franklin Food Pantry’s service area, please use the Greater Boston Food Bank’s online agency locator tool to find a food pantry.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 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 Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, 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, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information. 

Paint Party Social scheduled for Nov 6

Paint Party Social scheduled for Nov 6

via Amy Adams:

"Hello community!!!! Just sharing as this date is coming up. I have heard from some people that the date and time don’t work. 

I’d like to offer the opportunity for anyone interested in gifting a class ticket to someone who can use the time out and be part of this paint session for it’s location, time, and accessibility. 

Please contact me directly to arrange."

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CbZStQmgA/

Boston Globe: "Which Greater Boston towns have highest SNAP enrollments"

"Almost a month into the federal government shutdown, one of the largest concerns facing Massachusetts residents is cuts to SNAP, a program that provides more than 1 million people in the state with food assistance.

A demographic breakdown of the million-plus people who depend on food benefits shines a brighter light on who’s affected by food insecurity in Massachusetts.

The federal government was able to provide funding through October even with the shutdown, but starting Nov. 1 the funds will “run dry,” said the US Department of Agriculture, which funds SNAP, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The losses would ripple across the state: One in six Massachusetts residents, or about 667,000 households, receive SNAP benefits — including children, the elderly, and residents with disabilities."

Per the graphic, Franklin has almost 6% of its residents signed up for SNAP benefits

Also due to the Federal budget cuts, access thru the Library to Globe articles is no longer available.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/10/29/metro/boston-snap-enrollment/ 

Per the graphic, Franklin has almost 6% of its residents signed up for SNAP benefits

Visit the Franklin Food Pantry to contribute to help meet the needs of our neighbors -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Franklin Food Pantry: Urgent Appeal for Support

Urgent Appeal for Support Hello Neighbor, We're reaching out with an urgent appeal. Just this morning, Governor Maura Healey announced that the state cannot cover new federal funding gaps for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – a program that more than 1 million Massachusetts residents rely on to put food on their tables. Lack of SNAP benefits directly hurt those who need help most: 32% are children, 31% are people with disabilities, and 26% are seniors – as well as our local grocers who rely on this revenue. The federal shutdown is also affecting programs like heating assistance; combined with rising health insurance, food and housing costs, many families are being pushed to the brink. The Franklin Food Pantry expects a sharp rise in requests for help. We are so grateful for support from our community and we all need to come together now to take action and to ensure no neighbor goes hungry. If you are in a position to give, please make a donation HERE today—your support will make an immediate difference. If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, at 508-528-3115 or Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org. With gratitude, The Franklin Food Pantry Team Donate to The Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry | 341 W Central St. | Franklin, MA 02038 US

School Committee gets updates on after school clubs and from the Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1553 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1553 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 

Quick recap:

• FHS club fair held, 35 clubs presented, looking to finalize what's active with signups and payments to confirm membership. If not all to operate there are additional proposals being developed that could be implemented in lieu of some that didn't make it. High school has a late bus confirmed, awaiting word from bus company on one for the middle school

• Middle school working on confirming advisors and also setting survey to determine student club interest. Hopeful of get the matching done during November

• Franklin Food Pantry presentation by Laura Doherty and Tina Powderly. Much work to create awareness, address stigma, expand the availability of food for those who need it. Lots of coordination, collaboration underway with School District, more to come. Empty Bowls will continue, looking also to expand and offer bowl workshops outside of the high school to the community. Looking into why middle school students who were part of the back pack program don't continue with it into high school

• Good of the order raised the following items

• Consideration of removing restriction on citizen comment about something on the agenda, esp. now as it is at the end of the meeting; could be an opportunity to gain immediate feedback on something discussed during the meeting

• A public education slot to share info on current topics, to help address the misinformation still bantered about in the social media channels

• Do something to help the new Town Council get up to speed quickly, perhaps to include a tour of the schools, many don't seem aware of the details of daily operations

• entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 1 hour and 33 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1533-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-14-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEwf-tNffMs 

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKcjoQ-fFsLF7j1sNbpxy6QuusaqtBZG/view?usp=drive_link 

Food Pantry slides (photos captured during meeting)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BwjzVA9dhMdwNGYR9 

Food Pantry Infographic on Impact -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact/ 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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

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

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!

------------------

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, October 24, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This segment shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Development Associate ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/hear-all-about-2025-franklin-turkey.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews  Showcasing the "Blues" as a basis for and influence of Country, Jazz and Rock and Roll, here and worldwide.

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Food Pantry receives new truck from BJs, hands off truck to Natick Service Council (video)

via Franklin Food Pantry post to LinkedIn:

"Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to support our mission. When individuals share their professional expertise, the value they bring is immeasurable. Special thanks to Pantry volunteer Timothy Montgomery for filming and editing this fantastic video—with additional photography by Steve Sherlock and Franklin TV—that captures the BJ's Wholesale Club Truck Donation Event with Natick Service Council on August 13, 2025.

If you have a special talent that you would like to use to help The Pantry, please visit our website, complete an application and share your special talents in the application form."

Video link: https://lnkd.in/eBJSZ24b

The Franklin Food Pantry is looking to hire a dietician for a part-time assignment

via Franklin Food Pantry's LinkedIn posting:

"We're hiring! Are you a registered dietitian seeking a part-time role? 

The Franklin Food Pantry is looking to
hire a dietician for a part-time assignment

Franklin Food Pantry has a 12-month assignment available, requiring 10-12 hours per month. 

In this position, you will collaborate with the team to facilitate the implementation of their Nutrition Policy and Food is Medicine programming. 

For more details on the role, please refer to the full job description provided here: https://lnkd.in/ecmP_mtY. "

Shared from ->  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/franklinfoodpantry_registered-dietitian-franklin-ma-02038-activity-7382035938581069824-A68f?

School Committee gets updates on after school clubs and from the Food Pantry (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, October 14 in Council Chambers with all 7 members present and participating.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEwf-tNffMs

The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948

Quick recap:

• FHS club fair held, 35 clubs presented, looking to finalize what's active with signups and payments to confirm membership. If not all to operate there are additional proposals being developed that could be implemented in lieu of some that didn't make it. High school has a late bus confirmed, awaiting word from bus company on one for the middle school
• Middle school working on confirming advisors and also setting survey to determine student club interest. Hopeful of get the matching done during November
• Franklin Food Pantry presentation by Laura Doherty and Tina Powderly. Much work to create awareness, address stigma, expand available of food for those who need it. Lots of coordination, collaboration underway with School District, more to come. Empty Bowls will continue, looking also to expand and offer bowl workshop outside of the high school to community. Looking into why middle school student who were part of the back pack program don't continue with it into high school
• Good of the order raised the following items
• Consideration of removing restriction on citizen comment about something on the agenda, esp. now as it is at the end of the meeting; could be an opportunity to gain immediate feedback on something discussed during the meeting
• A public education slot to share info on current topics, to help address the misinformation still bantered about in the social media channels
• Do something to help the new Town Council get up to speed quickly, perhaps to include a tour of the schools, many don't seem aware of the details of daily operations
• entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dKcjoQ-fFsLF7j1sNbpxy6QuusaqtBZG/view?usp=drive_link

Food Pantry slides (photos captured during meeting)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BwjzVA9dhMdwNGYR9

Hear all about the 2025 Franklin Turkey Trot from Erin & Jen (audio)

FM #1550 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1550 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Development Associate. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

Franklin Turkey Trot

We talk about the Franklin Turkey Trot coming up on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025. 

We talk about how the race has evolved, sponsorship opportunities, the community event itself, free raffle prizes in addition to awards by race age category & more.

New this year, a costume contest with prizes for best costume in different categories.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I am happy to be a sponsor of this event, and that the recording is separately part of my overall public service effort for Franklin.News/Franklin Public Radio.

The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin and Jen. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1550-the-2025-franklin-turkey-trot-09-29-25/

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Turkey Trot webpage (register online through Tuesday, and in person Wednesday night (7 - 9 PM) or Thursday morning (from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM)) http://franklinturkeytrot.org/ 

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/ 

Amazon wish lists -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share 

Schedule a food & fund drive page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/food-and-fund-drives/ 

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org  to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

------------------

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