Reminder: Get your tickets for the Party for The Pantry - March 28

Reminder: Get your tickets for the Party for The Pantry - March 28

Party for The Pantry is just around the corner, and we are ready to rock! We’re bringing the music and the fun, but we couldn't take the stage without our incredible sponsors. 

A huge shoutout to our “Opening Act Sponsors” for making this fundraiser possible:

The Elemen-Tree House

K Cooks LLC

Mike & Maureen Sabolinski

The Tavern on Central

UpFront Guitars

We are grateful for your support!  

Get your tickets for Party for The Pantry taking place on March 28th at THE BLACK BOX Online: https://bit.ly/4c4ismW

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Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, March 13, 2026

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 hour features the Board of Health meeting on March 4, 2026 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/exclusive-audio-franklin-ma-board-of.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 

Save the date - tickets for the Empty Bowls Dinner & Fund raiser go on sale April 2

Mark your calendars!

Save the date - tickets for the Empty Bowls
Dinner & Fund raiser go on sale April 2

The 11th Annual Empty Bowls Dinner and Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6pm at Franklin Public High School.

Join us for a simple supper of soup and bread, bid on raffle items including pottery designed and created by Empty Bowls club members — all to raise funds for The Pantry and bring awareness that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.”

Tickets go on sale on our website April 2, 2026.

Interested in sponsoring the event? Please email Jen Johnson, Development Associate, at jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org. @fhs_emptybowls

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Have you got your tickets? We're talking about the Party for The Pantry - March 28 (audio)

FM #1682 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1682 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, Jen Johnson, Development Associate, and Bill Donavan, (Director of A/V with Stage Edge). We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Monday, March 2, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Tickets on sale for Party for the Pantry; March 28 at THE BLACK BOX

• Online bidding for silent auction items opens March 19

• Bidding for travel opportunities opens the night of

• 3 bands to provide entertainment - Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street Six

• Light food items catered by Chef Kristen Precourt, KCooks 

The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen in 

audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1682-party-for-the-pantry-03-02-26/

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Party for The Pantry page (tickets and travel auction descriptions) https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/

Sponsorships still open at link above

Raydio (Your 24/7 Local Soundtrack via the Internet) - https://localraydio.com/ 

K-Cooks LLC - https://www.k-cooks.com/

2025 Annual report of The Pantry - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/FY25-Annual-Report-2-page.pdf 

Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

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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!

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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"

Platinum Transparency Award for the Franklin Food Pantry

Platinum Transparency Award for the Franklin Food Pantry

Via Franklin Food Pantry

"We’ve earned the highest level of recognition from Candid!

Transparency and accountability aren't just a buzzwords for us—they're a promise.

We strive to be open and welcoming in everything we do, so you can feel 100% confident when you invest your time, talents, or donations in our mission."

Shared from - 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DPN6F5T17/

For more about Candid's view of The Pantry   https://app.candid.org/profile/6838299/franklin-food-pantry-incorporated-04-3272663

Elizabeth's Bagels fund raiser on Thursday to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

Save the date-2/26/26 !!! 

Elizabeth's Bagels fund raiser on Thursday
to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

This Thursday, 50% of ALL coffee sales will go directly to the Franklin Food Pantry!

Not only will you be helping us help a great cause, but each cup will be wrapped in one-of-a-kind sleeve decorated by students from The Franklin Children's School.

Sleeve quantities are limited, so be sure to stop by early!

Valid 2/26 only. Coffee purchases only, while supplies last. 

Some restrictions may apply. 

@Franklin Food Pantry  @franklinchildrensschool @franklinfoodpan #metrowestma #elizabethsbagels #franklinma #fyp #bagels #lizzies

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The Pantry is working to expand dietary options via grant (audio)

FM #1661 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1661 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ann McGillis, Operations Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Stephanie Carlile, working part-time helping The Pantry as part of a grant. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, February 13, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Welcoming Stephanie Carlile, MS, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, LDN, to The Pantry

• Empowering clients with dietary options and dignity in choice

• Introducing Poppy the Puzzle Piece, a new mascot to help identify nutrient dense foods

• Pantry named Healthy Pantry Leader by Greater Boston Food Bank

The conversation runs about 31 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link -  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1661-franklin-food-pantry-food-is-medicine-02-13-26/

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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ 

Follow The Pantry on

Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry 

Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/ 

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

Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.

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

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"

Food Pantry closed for week of Feb 16 - 21 to clean and stock

Franklin Food Pantry closed for week of Feb 16 - 21 to clean and stock

The Pantry will be closed beginning Monday, February 16, 2026, and reopen for shopping on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

During this time, a small team of staff and volunteers will be hard at work deep-cleaning, taking inventory, and restocking our shelves.

This information has been shared with our wonderful clients and additional resources are available on our website.

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Get Ready to Rock at Franklin Food Pantry’s "Party for The Pantry" Fundraiser

The Franklin Food Pantry is set to bring the house down with the return of the annual fundraiser, Party for The Pantry, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. 

Get Ready to Rock at Franklin Food Pantry’s
"Party for The Pantry" Fundraiser

This 21+ event transforms THE BLACK BOX into a rock-and-roll venue for a night of live music with local bands Fab 3, Karate Show, and South Street Six. 

The evening also features door prizes, an online auction, and silent auction including exclusive luxury travel packages from AmFund to the Amalfi Coast, Ireland, the Greek Islands, Alaska, and more. 

All proceeds from Party for The Pantry directly benefit the Franklin Food Pantry, which provides food assistance to Franklin and surrounding communities. 

What: Party for The Pantry

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7 PM 

Where: THE BLACK BOX 15 W. Central St. Franklin, MA 02038

Tickets: Available online www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Interested in sponsoring this event and gaining name recognition while supporting the Franklin Food Pantry? Please contact Jen Johnson, Fund Development Associate, at Jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org.

FREE Empty Bowls Open Studio bowl-making - February 26

FREE Empty Bowls Open Studio bowl-making - February 26

Looking for a fun, creative way to give back? Join us for a FREE Empty Bowls Open Studio bowl-making on Thursday, February 26th from 5:30pm to 7pm at Franklin High School.

Whether you’re a pro or have never touched clay, we’ll provide everything you need to create a ceramic bowl that will be given to attendees at the 11th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser on May 14th.

This free event is open to individuals ages 8+ (kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult).

Space is limited so please sign up only if you can make it, and remember to cancel if plans change so someone else can join! Sign-up link.

Questions? Reach out to Jen Johnson at jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org

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SOUPer Bowl, 4th quarter score has Franklin Behind!!!

FRANKLIN, WE ARE TRAILING!

SOUPer Bowl, 4th quarter score has Franklin Behind!!!

Weymouth Food Pantry is currently CRUSHING the SOUPer Bowl canned soup challenge with 4,898 cans donated. With only two days left, we are down to the wire and need a massive play to take the lead. 

While you're out grabbing your game-day food, please consider purchasing soup for The Pantry!  

Bring donations to the Franklin Food Pantry 341 W Central St, Franklin and place in the purple bin on the loading dock by end of day, Sunday, February 8th. 

While we want to beat Weymouth, the stakes are higher than a trophy. Local hunger has spiked by 40%. Let’s huddle up and make sure no one in our community goes hungry.

Franklin, let’s show Weymouth how we show up! 

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SOUPer Bowl update: 3rd quarter score revealed

The 3rd quarter score is in, and while Franklin is holding the lead, we can’t get comfortable yet! We know how fast the game can change in the 4th, and @weymouthfoodpantry  is bringing a deep bench of supporters to the field. The title of SOUPer Bowl Champ is on the line—so keep those soup donations pouring in now through February 8! 

Here are some ways to participate in SOUPer Bowl 2026:

• 

  SOUPer Bowl update: 3rd quarter score revealed

  Send soup through our Amazon Wishlist
• Bring soup to The Pantry and place in the purple bin
• Shop at the Franklin or Weymouth @bjswholesale purchase soup and place in their donation bin 
• Bring soup to @grovestreethc 
• Bring soup to @childrensmuseumfranklin 
• Purchase soup at the Franklin @shawssupermarket  and place in their donation bin
• If you're a student at Franklin Public School District MA, bring donations to Franklin High or Washington St. school 
• Bring donations to the @franklindowntownpartnership meeting on February 5

If you're collecting soup for SOUPer Bowl please let us know! Snap a picture of your donation, post it on social media and tag us so we can thank you! You can also send your photo to communications@franklinfoodpantry.org! 

Go Franklin and go Pats!

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