The donation bin at the Franklin Food Pantry has a name -> "Purple People Feeder"

Six-year-old twins Addison and Gracelyn, winners of the donation bin naming contest, and their little sister visited with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, to check out the "Purple People Feeder."  

Come visit the Purple People Feeder on The Pantry's loading dock and be sure to bring a non-perishable donation to feed our neighbors.  

For a complete tour of the pantry, sign up online at: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0WvTndYymh59V9mStKXUZXUsvHsgmw5ydzSAreUs1bwvyRgasSw4qoxVmT3hhXm8yl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

Six-year-old twins Addison and Gracelyn, winners of the donation bin naming contest, and their little sister visited with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry grateful for our community partners including Officer Gove

"We're grateful for our community partners including Officer Gove of the @franklinmapolice who assists The Pantry with home delivery to our neighbors in need. #grateful #community #gooddog" https://t.co/gABOvr40M0

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1704542779907375410

Franklin Food Pantry grateful for our community partners including Officer Gove

REMINDER - Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT - Saturday, 9/23/23 at 10 AM

Join us on September 23rd, 2023, at 10:00 AM when we'll be holding the The "Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT

View this email in your browser Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT At quick reminder that tomorrow, at 10:00 AM we'll be holding the The "Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT" will take place commencing from the Grove St Franklin trailhead. Stephen Green, a fervent advocate for the preservation and enhancement of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of passion, commitment, and community spirit. The memorial walk aims to celebrate his contributions while also raising support for a cause that was close to his heart - the Franklin Food Pantry. To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/fbrtc-stephen-green/ Join us in paying homage to Stephen Green's dedication to creating a better community through his tireless efforts on the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee. Lace up your sneakers, gather your family and friends, and come together for a morning of remembrance, gratitude, and giving back. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

This Franklin Food Pantry conversation focuses on Client Services (audio)

FM #1063 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1063 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Amber Baur, Franklin Food Pantry regular volunteer and recent addition to the Board of Directors along with Laura Du, Food Pantry Client Services Manager. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home, finally. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for many years, their needs had outgrown the space. The shower curtain that had divided the intake process within the room in the former building is now replaced by an office and regular doors/windows.

We talk about how the role of volunteers is critical to the successful operation of the Food Pantry assisting our neighbors. How the new facility enables the Food Pantry to better meet the needs of our neighbors in welcoming and treating them with the respect and confidentiality they deserve.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I have committed to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Laura and Amber. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1063-franklin-food-pantry-client-services-08-30-23

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

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 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

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"

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

FHS Cross Country: The "Food Drive Run", a win win win for the Pantry, the community, and the team

This week the boys and girls team will be participating in a "Food Drive Run."

Our "Food Drive Run" will start at 20 miles, and for every item donated, the mileage will decrease by 0.1 miles.  

Donations will be open from Tuesday (9/12) through Saturday (9/22). Our goal is to raise 100+ items.

We're partnering with the Franklin Food Pantry, so if you're unsure of what items to donate, here's a list of the pantry's current needs: https://t.co/sdmqmYbCKF 

Shared from https://twitter.com/FHS_girlsXC/status/1701726177965068790

FHS Cross Country: The "Food Drive Run", a win win for the Pantry and the team

Yes, the Franklin Turkey Trot registration for November 2023 is Now Open!

Franklin Turkey Trot Sign Up Donate Thursday, November 23, 2023 Registration is Open! Hello, Franklin! Summer is sadly coming to a close, but the approach of autumn means Turkey Trot time!! Registration opens September 7th with free race shirts to the first 100 registrants. Visit our website for more info and the link to register. See you in November! Register Today! Franklin Turkey Trot

Franklin Food Pantry to Take Part in Hunger Action Month®

September is Hunger Action Month®, and the Franklin Food Pantry is joining Feeding America and a nationwide network of food pantries to raise awareness and inspire the public to act on behalf of people experiencing hunger. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure. 

The Town of Franklin and the surrounding community are not immune to food insecurity with The Pantry providing more than 1,300 individuals with supplemental food assistance and services. As a private, non- profit organization, The Pantry relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers, offering community groups and individuals many opportunities to become involved in the fight against hunger.

“Over the past two years, the Franklin Food Pantry has experienced a sharp increase in the need for supplemental food assistance,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Hunger Action Month calls on our community to join the fight on hunger, restock our shelves, and make sure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food and services.”

Individuals and groups can take action against hunger by participating in the following:

• Organize a food or fund drive

• Donate funds, food, or other pantry needs to the Franklin Food Pantry

• Learn about the impact hunger has on Franklin and Norfolk County

• Volunteer at the Franklin Food Pantry

• Write to local elected officials and urge them to fight hunger

• Wear orange on Hunger Action Day (Friday, September 23, 2023) to spread awareness and show commitment toward ending hunger

• Join the conversation by posting photos or stories to social media with #HungerActionMonth For more information on Hunger Action Month visit HungerActionMonth.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.

September is Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month

This September, we’re asking everyone to choose to help end hunger. Because food shouldn’t be an impossible choice.  

Donate today at: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx...

#HungerActionMonth

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02vq6GkQ6maK5rdiPy93otzGxvszWegYb23DXJw5bLPhNG5yhKZkkuh1r3cAxXwEtKl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

September is Hunger Action Month

Do you support the Franklin Food Pantry? Yes, now you can wear something to showcase your support!

"The Franklin Food Pantry online store is open with some new items available! We added a microfleece vest, cooler bag, and the commemorative tee in long sleeves. This long sleeve special edition shirt will only be available until September 17^th   

Prepare for colder weather (eek!) with sweatshirts, jackets, and hats too! 

Here is the link to shop:

https://xpressionprintsinc.printavo.com/merch/franklin-food-pantry/?page=1"

Do you support the Franklin Food Pantry? Yes, now you can wear something to showcase your support!

Franklin Food Pantry - podcast series "Nourishing Neighbors, Building Community"

A continuing series of podcasts on the Franklin Food Pantry, their new building and operations supporting our community. "Nourishing Neighbors, Building Community"

August 2023 - Tina - campaign kick off

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html 

August 2023 - campaign #2 - Anne & Yianna

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

August 2023 - campaign #3 - Suzanne & Donna

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html 

August 2023 - campaign #4 - Laura & Amber

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Secures $50,000 for Franklin Food Pantry’s Capital Campaign

Massachusetts Legislature Allocates Funds to Address Food Insecurity in the Commonwealth

The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance in Franklin, Massachusetts, and the surrounding community, was allocated $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget. State Representative Jeffery Roy assisted in securing the much-needed funding for The Pantry’s capital campaign, which will support enhanced client programs and services, and subsidize the purchase, renovation, and maintenance of a new building located at 341 W Central Street in Franklin.

Since moving to its new location, The Pantry has seen a sharp increase in client visits. This past July, average weekly visits to The Pantry increased by 35 percent compared to the same month last year. Pantry staff attributes the increased client need to the continued high cost of food, housing, utilities, clothing, and other expenses.

Executive Director Tina Powderly with State Rep Jeff Roy at the Ribbon Cutting in June 2023

“The Franklin Food Pantry is essential to Franklin and surrounding towns, providing supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals each year,” said State Representative Jeffery Roy (D-Franklin). “The Pantry’s new building offers access to nutritious food in a dignified, modernized, larger space and I am pleased to advocate for such a worthy community partner.”

The state budget also designated funding for no-cost school meals for Massachusetts public school children in grades K-12, including the nearly 5,000 children enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools.

 

“The Franklin Food Pantry is committed to addressing child-level food insecurity, and we are extremely proud of our advocacy work with Project Bread and the Greater Boston Food Bank to ensure students are well nourished,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “We are grateful to Rep. Jeff Roy, Sen. Becca Rausch, Governor Maura Healey, and the entire Massachusetts Legislature for making universal school meals free for all and investing in our children and their future.”

The Franklin Food Pantry also partners with the Franklin Public Schools to provide meals and snacks to children over the weekend. As with all services at The Pantry, the Weekend Backpack Program is free to clients and depends on support and donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. To support the Franklin Food Pantry’s programs and daily operations, or to provide support for the new building campaign 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.

Franklin Food Pantry serves record number of our neighbors in a single day

Via the Franklin Food Pantry 

"Yesterday (Tuesday, 8/22/23) we served a RECORD NUMBER of 112 neighbors between client appointments, emergency bags, and curbside distribution. None of this would have been possible without our new, larger space where we can accommodate more clients and have the capacity to store more food. 

We are asking you to join us in our efforts! 

We have reached 56% of our $3.5 million campaign goal to raise funds for the purchase and renovation of our building, enhance our client programs and services, and create a rainy-day fund for future building expenses. 

We are deeply grateful for your support, and cannot help our neighbors in need without you!"

Find the Instagram reel here -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwS20MFrGfy/

Follow the link to donate and sign up for a tour of the new building ->  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/

Recent podcasts about the Franklin Food Pantry. Their work servicing our neighbors is enhanced by the new facility. 

• Executive Director Tina Powderly   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-food-pantry-launches-building.html 
• Anne McGillis & Yianna Zicherman    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation.html 
• Suzanne Gendreau & Donna O'Neill    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/this-franklin-food-pantry-conversation_01022713506.html

Franklin Food Pantry serves record number of our neighbors in a single day

Franklin Food Pantry Welcomes New Board Members: Barton, Baur, Harrington, & Stott

The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals per year, is pleased to announce the addition of Jim Barton, Amber Baur, Oona Harrington, and David Stott to the board of directors. The newly elected members hold a variety of backgrounds and expertise in business, civic, and nonprofit leadership, and will strengthen the governance and oversight of The Pantry, which recently moved to a new building at 341 W Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts.

“As we enter The Pantry's next phase in our new home, it is critical to enlist additional leadership to help guide and deliver enhanced programs and services,” said Rachel Flum, Chair, Board of Directors, Franklin Food Pantry. “On behalf of the board, I am thrilled to welcome Jim, Amber, Oona, and David whose diverse perspectives and expertise will serve our neighbors and town well."

Jim Barton co-owns Allegra Marketing Print Mail in Franklin. He previously spent more than 20 years working as a sales and marketing executive in the consumer electronics industry. Jim prioritizes community involvement and supports numerous local businesses and nonprofits including SAFE Coalition, the Franklin Cultural Council, and Foster Care Essentials. He is a graduate of Bridgewater State University and resides in Medway, Massachusetts.  

Amber Baur is a demonstrated strong senior leader with more than 30 years in operations, service management, and employee development. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration. She finds great joy in helping others through volunteering at the Franklin Food Pantry, coaching Franklin Youth Soccer, and being a docent at Southwick’s Zoo. She and her family reside in Franklin.

Oona Harrington is passionate about creating inclusive and equitable   environments and supports individuals and teams through her work in talent strategy and operations. Oona volunteers as a mentor for her company’s Women’s Business Resource Group and is a senior mentor for The Valedictorian Project. She also volunteers at Franklin Public Schools serving as a sub-committee member, co-chair for the Weekend Backpack Program, and as a parent representative on the school council. Oona earned an undergraduate degree from Boston University and a graduate degree from Babson College. Oona and her family reside in Franklin.

David Stott is Senior Vice President, General Counsel at Sensata Technologies, an NYSE-listed industrial technology company. He practiced corporate law with private law firms in New York City, London, and Houston. David previously served on the Governance Committee of the Food Pantry Board. He and his family reside in Franklin.

 

The four new board members will serve three-year terms, increasing the volunteer-led team to eleven individuals. To support the Franklin Food Pantry’s daily operations, or to provide support for the non- profit’s new building campaign, 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. 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, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

This Franklin Food Pantry conversation covers how community involvement makes this a success (audio)

FM #1039 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1039 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Suzanne Gendreau, Franklin Food Pantry board member and Building Campaign Committee Chair along with Donna O’Neill, Food Pantry volunteer and ambassador extraordinaire. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. 

We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home, finally. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for many years, their needs had outgrown the space. 

We spend much of the time sharing stories about the community involvement that is what makes the Food Pantry a successful operation assisting our neighbors.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I have committed to this capital campaign.

The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Suzanne and Donna. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1039-franklin-food-pantry-building-campaign-3-07-24-23

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

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 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

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"

Franklin Food Pantry Launches Building Campaign (audio)