One truck arrives, one truck leaves, the giving cycle continues

Franklin Food Pantry Receives New Refrigerated Truck from BJ's Wholesale Club, Donates Current Vehicle to Natick Service Council in Powerful Act of Community Support

The Franklin Food Pantry is celebrating two significant acts of generosity that highlight the power of community collaboration. Thanks to a generous donation from BJ's Wholesale Club through its BJ’s Charitable Foundation, The Pantry has received a new, larger refrigerated truck which dramatically increases The Pantry's ability to transport and store food. The Pantry paid forward the donation by gifting its current truck to the Natick Service Council.

The new, donated truck is essential to sustaining The Pantry’s operations. In the past year, The Pantry experienced a 38% increase in demand for hunger relief programs and services. 

"We are incredibly grateful to BJ's Wholesale Club for their generous donation, which arrives at a critical time when the need for food services in our community is rising," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "This new refrigerated truck not only improves our operations, and how we serve the community, but it also allows us to pay that generosity forward to the Natick Service Council. Today's celebration is a powerful example of how businesses and nonprofits can join forces to support one another."

In addition to the new truck, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation also donated two commercial cooling units to The Pantry. These units, along with the refrigerated truck, are crucial for keeping fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and other perishable foods from spoiling. Providing access to healthy, nutritious food is a key part of The Pantry's mission, and these items are often the most requested and most costly for families to purchase.

"BJ’s Wholesale Club is driven by a powerful purpose: taking care of the families who depend on us,” said Kirk Saville, Head of Communications, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’re proud to support Franklin Food Pantry and have a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Upon hearing about the new truck from BJ's, the Franklin Food Pantry knew it wanted to pay the generosity forward. Through the Greater Boston Food Bank, The Pantry learned that the Natick Service Council, a nonprofit which supports individuals and families who are experiencing hardship, needed a new vehicle to help the community they serve.

One truck arrives, one truck leaves, the giving cycle continues

"Like the Franklin Food Pantry, the Natick Service Council has also seen an increase in demand for its services over the past year. We have just completed a project to double the size of our pantry so we can serve all the community members who are facing food insecurity," said Dan Shea, Executive Director, Natick Service Council. " BJ Wholesale Club’s donation to the Franklin Food Pantry created a ripple effect of generosity that resulted in a donation to us. This act shows how one donation can create a positive impact far beyond its initial purpose.”

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, Franklin Food Pantry, at 508-528-3115 or email Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Additional photos of the new truck arrival, and 'old' truck moving on in this photo album (Courtesy of Franklin Food Pantry)   https://photos.app.goo.gl/moDvcK7oZX7Po4k97

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 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 for more information.

About BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: “We take care of the families who depend on us.” The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials, various exclusive offerings, gas and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and currently operates 255 clubs and 190 BJ's Gas® locations in 21 states. For more information, please visit us at www.BJs.com or on Facebook, or Instagram

Please help local students start the school year properly!

Amazon Wish List https://bit.ly/45k2lfV 

The Franklin Food Pantry is collecting new school supplies to give kids the tools and confidence they need to succeed in the classroom. Your donation of pencils, crayons, folders, notebooks, and more can make a huge difference.

Send your donation directly to The Pantry via our Amazon Wish List https://bit.ly/45k2lfV  

or drop off your donation in the purple bin on The Pantry's loading dock, 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA

Thank you for helping us set students up for success!

6th Annual Medway Community Church Reach Out & Run 5k = Aug 23

Want to get a little exercise for a good cause, and get some free swag too?  

Register for the 6th Annual Medway Community Church Reach Out & Run 5k by 8/3 to get a free race t-shirt.  

6th Annual Medway Community Church
Reach Out & Run 5k = Aug 23

100% of race proceeds benefit the Franklin Food Pantry, Medway Village Food Pantry, and the Medway House Family Shelter. 

Runners, walkers, and strollers are all welcome, and we have a fun Kids Run too.

See you at the starting line!

Register -> https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Medway/ReachOutandRun5K

Franklin Food Pantry gets refrigerated units from BJs

Franklin Food Pantry gets refrigerated units from BJs

"How COOL is BJ's Wholesale Club for donating these two commercial cooling units, and our community partners who make it possible for us to provide clients so many food choices?!?

We are grateful!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1C7kbArfaA/

MetroWest Nonprofit Network recognizes the Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors as a Nonprofit Valuable Player (NVP)!

MetroWest Nonprofit Network recognizes
 the Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors

Via the Franklin Food Pantry: 

"We are so incredibly proud of our 2024 Board of Directors!  

Congratulations on being named a Nonprofit Valuable Player (NVP) by the MetroWest Nonprofit Network! Your hard work and dedication to The Pantry and to our community is making a real difference and we are so grateful."

MetroWest Nonprofit Network

"Congratulations to the 2024 Board of Directors of the @Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.—our newest Nonprofit Valuable Player (NVP)! 

Nominated by Executive Director, Tina Tavares Powderly, because of their unwavering commitment to the Pantry's mission and Franklin community.

"Their strategic vision has empowered us to grow thoughtfully—investing in staff, volunteers, and infrastructure, most notably are first permanent space, to better serve those in need. This dynamic group brings diversity, dedication, brilliance, and a spirit of collaboration and fun that continually motivates and strengthens our entire organization." —Tina

 The NVP Award is part of MWNN’s Mission: Possible campaign—celebrating the individuals and organizations making their nonprofit missions possible. It's all in honor of National Nonprofit Day on 8/17."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19RVewN6vV/

Visit wandering Cheers at the Farmers Market today, July 18 and help the Franklin Food Pantry

Visit wandering Cheers at the Farmers Market
today, July 18 and help the Franklin Food Pantry

"Headed to the @franklinfarmersmarketma on Friday, July 18?

Be sure to stop by @wanderingcheers. $1 from every purchase of a favorite beverage will be donated to support The Pantry."

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DMK9X93JCau/

Come to paint "Sunset Light" and help support the Franklin Food Pantry

via Painting Venus/Amy Adams:

"We have a new date coming up! Join us for the next session.

Come out to enjoy an evening filled with a delightful blend of music and painting, setting the perfect tone for a memorable night out with friends and family. 

This unique event inspires creativity and foster connections among attendees. 

 

Come to paint "Sunset Light" and help
support the Franklin Food Pantry

Best of all, your participation in this event goes beyond just personal enjoyment. 25% of all proceeds from the evening will be donated to support the Franklin Food Pantry, an essential local organization dedicated to providing food assistance to those in need within our community. 

By joining us, you are not only treating yourself to a night out, but you are also contributing to a worthy cause. So gather your loved ones, unleash your creativity, and make a positive impact while enjoying a wonderful evening together!"

Follow link https://www.paintingvenus.art/event-details/sunset-light

Amber Baur Named Chair of Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors

The Franklin Food Pantry is proud to welcome Amber Baur as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. As a dedicated volunteer and long-time supporter, Amber brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to The Pantry’s mission of combating food insecurity in the community.

Amber's leadership has been instrumental in many of The Pantry's initiatives. She played a pivotal role in ensuring The Pantry's Service Enterprise Certification, a prestigious accreditation awarded by the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement and Points of Light recognizing a nonprofit’s commitment to effectively delivering on their missions by strategically engaging volunteer time and talent. 

Amber Baur

More recently, she contributed to the nonprofit’s 2024 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive effort to identify community needs and develop sustainable strategies to address them. She volunteers regularly at The Pantry, greeting and assisting clients while they shop, and serves as Captain of The Pantry's Falmouth Road Race Team.

"I am incredibly passionate about the work being done at the Franklin Food Pantry," said Amber. "It is an honor and a privilege to step into this leadership role and collaborate with such a dedicated team to combat hunger and support our neighbors who are facing food insecurity.”

Originally from California, Amber holds both an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and an MBA. She and her family have been residents of Franklin since 2007, and her son attended Franklin Public Schools.

"We're incredibly fortunate to have Amber's expertise and mission-driven leadership on our Board," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "Her unwavering support for clients, staff, and volunteers is evident in everything she does, and we know that she’ll continue to advance our fight against food insecurity in the community."

For the past year, Amber has been preparing for her new role by serving as Co-chair of the Board of Directors alongside Rachel Flum. Rachel, who chaired the Board from May 2023 to June 2024, and then served as Co-chair from July 2024 to June 2025, recently concluded her term. Board member Judi Perez also finished her term. Both Rachel and Judi’s dedication and hard work were essential to The Pantry’s achievements over the past few years, and they will be greatly missed. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 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 for more information.

2 of the Class of 2025 Heroines of Massachusetts recognized for their work at the Franklin Food Pantry

This year, the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines comprises more than 125 women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more. Read this year’s program book (link below) to learn more about their incredible stories from the legislators who nominated them.

The 22nd Annual Heroines of Massachusetts Celebration was held June 26, 2025 at the Mass State House. 

Yianna Zicherman, Milford

Yianna Zicherman

Yianna Zicherman, a Milford resident, works in the Franklin Food Pantry, and I ask that you nominate her for one of the 2025 Commonwealth Heroines awards. Yianna Zicherman manages the Pantry’s warehouse and a staff of volunteers. Yianna is not visible to the Pantry’s large coterie of clients, but more than 1,800 local families unknowingly benefit from all that she achieves for them. 

As a Pantry volunteer, Yianna’s strength in working through exhaustion and never seeking an opportunity to relax when knowing that her work is so valued by locals with food insecurities. I see her direct a volunteer staff and work together with them as they stack and organize food supplies so that the Pantry is well-prepared when the clients arrive. 

These clients include those with disabilities, the elderly on fixed incomes, some who are temporarily between jobs, and some who work but their salaries are insufficient to provide enough food for their families. Every item that is placed on shelves for the Pantry’s clients is placed there by Yianna and her volunteers. Yianna is an extraordinary woman who works hard to aid those with food insecurities. She places the needs of the less fortunate above all. - State Representative Brian Murray

Tina Taveres Powderly, Franklin

Tina Powderly

Tina Powderly is the Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry and led the efforts to build a new state-of-the-art facility. The new building provides a dignified and attractive space for customers to get what they need -- the food and the resources necessary for success. In 2024 alone, the Pantry reached 25,000 people and Tina’s tireless service has helped erase the stigma associated with food insecurity. Moreover, Tina has been instrumental in educating the community and raising awareness about hunger and how good food nourishes the body and powers a strong mind. 

Tina has 20 years of experience working in a variety of areas in the healthcare industry, including healthcare consulting, community benefits, and hospital business development and strategy. Tina previously was an Executive Recruiter for AMN Healthcare in its executive and leadership division. Tina also has directed the activities of the CEO’s office at Milford Regional Medical Center and worked as an independent consultant in business development at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helping develop major expansion projects both in outlying communities and in Boston. 

Tina earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Georgetown University and an M.S. in Health Policy Management from the Harvard School of Public Health. She served on the Franklin Food Pantry’s Board of Directors from 2017 – 2021, including two years as its Chair before joining the Pantry as Executive Director. She has also served on the Hockomock YMCA Board of Managers and as Vice Chair of the Franklin Town Council. Tina resides in Franklin with her husband. They have five children. - State Representative Jeffrey Roy

For the complete listing of the Class of 2025 Commonwealth Heroines ->    https://masscsw.org/2025/06/18/read-the-2025-commonwealth-heroines-program-book/

2 of the Class of 2025 Heroines of Massachusetts
recognized for their work at the Franklin Food Pantry

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 ???

Tuesday, July 8

11:30am Free Summer Lunch Program (Bellingham Library)

5:00pm Youth Summer Track Meet (Franklin High School)

7:00pm FBRTC Rail Trail Cmte Mtg (Franklin TV Studio)

7:30pm Smart Phone Trivia (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

** Town Meetings today   **

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, July 8, 2025     7 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Design-Review-Commission-32/?#_07082025-1804

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Tina Powderly Honored in MA Women's Commission, Commonwealth Heroine Class of 2025

Franklin resident Tina Powderly was recently elected to the 22nd Annual Massachusetts Women's Commission "Commonwealth Heroine Class of2025." Nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (Franklin-D), Ms. Powderly was honored alongside over 125 other distinguished women from around the Commonwealth at the State House in the Great Hall of Flags on June 26th, 2025.

Tina serves her community by working as the Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. It is thanks to her that a new facility was built, leading to the feeding of over 25,000 people in 2024 alone. Tina holds experience in various fields, such as healthcare consulting, and hospital strategy, allowing her to receive leadership positions at AMN Healthcare, Milford Regional Medical Center, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Georgetown University and a Masters Degree in Health Policy Management from Harvard. Tina has served on the YMCA's Board of Managers, and as Vice Chair of the Franklin Town Council. Living with her husband and five children in the community, she has served the Town of Franklin with honor and distinction.

(L-R) T Powderly, J Roy

"I'm honored to nominate Tina Powderly as a 2025 Commonwealth Heroine," said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy. "Her selfless work in the healthcare industry, service to her community, and her leadership at the Franklin Food Pantry cement her status as an upstanding pillar of the community and display a perfect representation of a Commonwealth Heroine."

"The Commonwealth Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make all the difference in their communities," said Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt. 'Thousands of women in every community across the Commonwealth perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live. Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators - they are the glue that keeps a community together."

Each year the Commission partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. Each legislator is encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service, who are making a big difference in their communities but not necessarily making the news.

Free summer lunch menu for kids available at the Bellingham Library: Tue-Wed-Thu

Free summer lunch menu for kids available
at the Bellingham Library:  Tue-Wed-Thu

Check out this week's Summer Lunch menu for kids! Children (age 18 and under) and caregivers can enjoy a no-cost lunch and fun activities at Bellingham Public Library - Massachusetts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30am to 12:30pm. 

Come for one day, two days, or all three! 

For more information, visit: https://www.hockymca.org/summer-lunch-program/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cihrihu8v/

Free lunch program for Summer by YMCA with Franklin Food Pantry collaboration

Free lunch program for Summer by YMCA

Get the kids out of the heat and enjoy a FREE lunch at Bellingham Public Library - Massachusetts!

Children (age 18 and under) and their caregiver are invited to join us every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM for a no-cost summer meal, now through August 14, 2025.

Additional no-cost lunch sites are at Memorial School in Milford (M, T, W, Th, and F from 11 AM to 12:30 PM), and the Jackson Elementary School in Plainville (T and Th, 12:15 to 1 PM).

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16MAX1Kp3u/

Join the Yoga on the Town Common session - Sunday, June 29 - and help fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry

Join us for a relaxing yoga session at the Town Common to raise funds for Franklin Food Pantry!

Facebook event -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1810311069882074/

Tickets at Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-at-the-common-fundraiser-for-franklin-food-pantry-tickets-1392786384569

When: Sunday, June 29 · 9 - 10 AM EDT. Doors at 8:45 AM

Join the Yoga on the Town Common session - Sunday, June 29 - and help fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry

BJ's donates a refrigerated truck & 2 commercial cooling units to the Franklin Food Pantry

We have some incredible news! @bjswholesale is donating a new refrigerated truck and two commercial cooling units to The Pantry!

BJ's donates a refrigerated truck & 2 commercial cooling units

This donation is a game-changer for us - dramatically improving our efficiency and expanding our capacity to store and distribute fresh, healthy food. It means we can feed even more of our neighbors and ensure they have access to the nutritious food we all deserve.

We are filled with gratitude for BJ's commitment to our community!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DLScJsQR5oc/

Free lunch program for summertime on Tues-Weds-Thu at Bellingham Library

Franklin Food Pantry in collaboration with the Hockomock YMCA:

Get the kids out of the heat and join us at Bellingham Public Library for a free lunch!

Free lunch program for summertime 

We've partnered with @hockomockymca provide no-cost lunches to children (age 18 and under) and their caregivers on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

The program runs through August 14, 2025, and there is no paperwork or registration – just show up and enjoy a free lunch.

Additional no-cost lunch sites are at Memorial School in Milford (M, T, W, Th, and F from 11 AM to 12:30 PM), and the Jackson Elementary School in Plainville (T and Th, 12:15 to 1 PM).

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLQS6RXxr4w/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, June 21, 2025 ???

Saturday, June 21

** Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Rise Up (Franklin United Methodist Church)

10:00am Walking Group (St John's Episcopal Church)

12:00pm Celebrate with Pride (Franklin Town Common)

12:00pm The Drummers' Studio 15th Anniversary Celebration (Bellingham High School)

1:00pm The Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

1:00pm Under The Sea Party (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm Class of 1975 50th High School Reunion (THE BLACK BOX)

For additional details on Library  events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  NO Town Meetings today   **

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar