Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: Sept. 17, 6pm & Oct 1, 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Town Staff Retirements

i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years

ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years

iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years

iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years

v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. August 12, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Brittany Capozzi

ii. Jorge Marinez

iii. Jessica Phillips

iv. Nancy Rabinowitz

v. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #12a

b. Legislative Update - Senator Rebecca Rausch & Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

d. SAFE Coalition Update - Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition

e. 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Update - Jayson Joyce, Chair & Rob Browne, Vice Chair   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee

i. Legislation for Action #12b

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-52: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10968/12a-1---26-52---MEMO---Gift-Acceptances---Veterans-Services-Dept_2_combine

b. Resolution 26-53: Transfer of $25,000 from the Marketing & Branding Capital Account to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-53 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10977/12b-Transfer-of-25k-to-250th-Committee

c. Resolution 26-54: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-54 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10967/12c-26-54-PEG-Comcast--Verizon

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body and the Chair so-declares:

i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Wednesday, September 9, 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:

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 Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry talks about how to support Hunger Action Month in September     https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/09/the-pantrys-tina-powderly-talks-about.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone  All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points.    (repeats Saturday at 1 PM)  

• This segment features Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/08/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode_01047380197.html
   

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

Registration is Now Open for the Turkey Trot - Thanksgiving morning, Nov 26

It may still be a little early to start thinking about Thanksgiving dinner... but it's the perfect time to start planning your Thanksgiving morning tradition!

Registration is now OPEN for the 2026 Franklin Turkey Trot, and we can't wait to welcome you back!  

Register online - https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/FranklinTurkeyTrot

 The first 100 registrants will receive a FREE official race shirt! Once those are gone, shirts will still be available for purchase while supplies last—so don't wait if you want yours included with registration.

Whether you're chasing a personal best, running with family, or simply earning that extra slice of pumpkin pie, there's no better way to kick off Thanksgiving than with the Franklin Turkey Trot.

Round up your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, and help us make this year's Franklin Turkey Trot the biggest and best yet. We can't wait to see familiar faces—and plenty of new ones—at the starting line!

See you on Thanksgiving morning!

The Franklin Turkey Trot Team

Tina Powderly talks with me about Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1809 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1809 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, August 28, 2026. 

Discussion items: 

• Hunger Action Month, nationwide program by Feeding America

• Infographic confirms volume increases

• Many ways to help, take a tour, volunteer, donate items, money, etc.

• Plans for expansion to meet the growing need

The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1809-franklin-fodd-pantry-hunger-action-month-08-28-26/

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

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 wishlist ->  

https://franklinfoodpantry.mindfulgiving.org/campaigns/amazon-wish-list/products 

Infographic- https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/about/impact-reports/

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"

Annual Recycling Event scheduled for Saturday, Sep 5 from 9 AM to 1 PM

"Clear your clutter and help local families in one quick stop! 

Join us this Saturday, Sept 5, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Franklin High School for our Annual Recycling Event. We are again teaming up with Green Team Junk Removal for this annual event!

While you drop off your recyclables, please consider bringing diapers and wipes to support the Franklin Food Pantry. These essentials are urgently needed right now for local families.

When: Saturday, Sept 5 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Franklin High School

What to bring: Your recyclables + diapers & wipes for the Franklin Food Pantry

Check out the flyers below for accepted recycling items and specific drop-off details.

See you Saturday!"

If you can't make it Saturday, there is info on this image -> to arrange a pick up with GoGreenTeamJunk.com

Shared from Rep Roy's post - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Gpr8zxgPn/

Franklin Food Pantry Welcomes Community Leader Tom Mercer to Board of Directors

The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce the appointment of lifelong Franklin resident Tom Mercer to its Board of Directors. Tom brings decades of public service, local governance expertise, and business leadership to the organization as it continues its mission to alleviate food insecurity.

Tom’s extensive record of civic involvement includes 10 years on the Franklin School Committee and 14 years on the Franklin Town Council. He has also chaired several of the town's major municipal construction initiatives, overseeing projects for Franklin High School, the Franklin Senior Center, and the Horace Mann/Oak Street/ECDC School Complex.

"We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Tom to our Board of Directors," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "His deep commitment to Franklin and proven history of leadership will be invaluable as we expand our outreach and strengthen our support for local families facing food insecurity."

The addition of Tom comes at a crucial time for The Pantry, as demand for hunger-relief services increases. His strategic governance background will support The Pantry's ongoing operations, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability efforts.

"I am honored to join the Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors," said Tom. "The Pantry plays an important role in ensuring our neighbors have access to essential resources. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and volunteers to advance The Pantry’s mission and ensure Franklin remains a supportive community for everyone."

Beyond his public service, Tom serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fuller Box Company, where he has led business development for more than 45 years. He is also actively involved with Dean College, the Franklin Performing Arts Company, and the Franklin Country Club.

The Pantry also extends its sincere gratitude to departing board members Oona Harrington and David Stott for their dedicated service and contributions to the organization.

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 2,411 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 Distribution, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, Food is Medicine Initiatives, 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.

Get Ready for Hunger Action Month

Mark your calendars! September is Hunger Action Month, a national movement to raise awareness and take action against food insecurity. Here is how you can prepare to make a difference with us next month:

Wear Orange on Hunger Action Day: We're planning to wear orange on September 29 to bring awareness to hunger in our community. Check your wardrobe for orange gear and join us.

Sign-up to Volunteer: Visit our website to fill out a volunteer application and join our amazing volunteer team at The Pantry -  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Follow and Share: Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll be highlighting how we're taking action all month long.

Thank you for helping us bring awareness to hunger in September and throughout the year.

Franklin Food Pantry Releases FY26 Impact Report: 28% Rise in Overall Need as Child Hunger Surges 35%

The Franklin Food Pantry released its annual impact report for Fiscal Year 2026, revealing a dramatic increase in demand for food assistance across the local community. Over the past fiscal year, the total number of individuals relying on The Pantry climbed 28% to 2,411 people, while the number of children receiving food assistance from The Pantry jumped by 35%. 

In total, Franklin Food Pantry’s programs and services were accessed 32,873 times during FY26. Demonstrating the persistent nature of current economic hardship, more than half of all registered clients visited The Pantry three or more times a month to meet their household grocery needs.  

The substantial rise in local demand reflects broader state and national trends. Since July 2025, more than 61,000 children in Massachusetts have lost access to crucial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following the enactment of federal legislation (One Big Beautiful Bill Act H.R.1). This reduction in federal nutrition support has resulted in hundreds of local families turning to food pantries for food assistance. 

"The numbers from this past fiscal year reflect both an alarming rise in food insecurity within our community and the extraordinary generosity of the people in Franklin," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "This past year, our neighbors turned to us in record numbers—and through the hard work and overwhelming support of our donors, partners, staff, and volunteers, we were able to ensure everyone had access to healthy food.”  

To meet the unprecedented demand, The Pantry distributed 816,610 pounds of food—a 30% increase over last year—including 186,536 pounds of recovered healthy, fresh food that would have otherwise been discarded. Through outreach programs, The Pantry provided 4,134 weekend food backpacks to Franklin Public School students, delivered 3,394 grocery bags to medically homebound residents, supplied 2,032 bags across four mobile pantry sites, and distributed 1,075 Thanksgiving and winter holiday meals. These massive efforts were powered by 568 dedicated volunteers who gave 15,351 hours of service.

Amidst a year of record need, the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) honored the Franklin Food Pantry as its Agency Partner of the Year, celebrating its extraordinary efforts to expand regional food access. GBFB also designated The Pantry as a Healthy Pantry Leader in recognition of its steadfast commitment to client dignity and nutrition and offering balanced foods and a client-centered shopping experience through intentional sourcing, distribution, and community programming.

“Even during exceptionally difficult times, the power of our community keeps us moving forward," said Powderly, "It inspires everything we do and ensures no neighbor has to face food insecurity alone."

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry, or to receive food assistance, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or call 508-528-3115.

About Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 2,411 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 Distribution, 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.

Reminder: The Franklin Food Pantry will match your SNAP benefits at the Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Food Pantry is sponsoring the SNAP Match program at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, offering an unlimited, dollar-for-dollar match that doubles the purchasing power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Funded through grants and individual gifts, the SNAP Match program is a win-win for the local community. By effectively lowering the cost of farm-fresh produce, households experiencing food insecurity gain greater access to nutritious options. The program also supports local vendors and regional agribusinesses.

The Franklin Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM, June through October, on the Franklin Town Common.

How the SNAP Match Program Works

Any household registered with SNAP, regardless of their resident town or state, can participate in the SNAP Match at the Franklin Farmers’ Market.

Before shopping, SNAP recipients bring their SNAP EBT card to the Franklin Food Pantry booth. Shoppers tell the staff how much they would like to spend from their SNAP benefits. The representative swipes the SNAP EBT card and “matches” the chosen amount dollar-for-dollar in SNAP Tokens. For example, spending $10 results in $20 worth of tokens. 

SNAP tokens can be spent just like cash with any SNAP-eligible vendor at the Franklin Farmers’ Market. Franklin Farmers’ Market SNAP tokens are exclusive to the Franklin Farmers' Market and SNAP tokens from other farmers’ markets cannot be accepted.

For more information on the SNAP Match program, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry booth at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, or contact the Franklin Food Pantry at 508-528-3115 or info@franklinfoodpantry.org.

To apply for SNAP benefits, please visit the Department of Transitional Assistance website. 

About 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 Distribution, 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.

Worrying About Your Next Meal? The Franklin Food Pantry is Here to Help.

"I am beyond grateful for The Pantry. Becoming a disabled single mom is not something anyone prepares for. Thank you again."  - Pantry Client

It’s okay to ask for a helping hand. If you or your loved one is facing food insecurity the Franklin Food Pantry is a safe, welcoming place to find support.

To learn more about our services, please visit our website or contact Laura Du, our Client Services Manager, at 508-528-3115, or Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Please consider making a donation to The Pantry, or become a GEM (Give Every Month) member

Summer means fresh, nutritious produce is in season! Good nutrition is foundational to leading a healthy life—giving us the energy to show up as our best selves at home, work, and school. Yet, for too many in our community, healthy food remains out of reach.

Fresh produce and specialty items including low-sodium, gluten-free, and sugar-free options that are essential for managing medical conditions are often the most expensive items at the grocery store. In Massachusetts, 57% of households experiencing food insecurity also report low nutrition security, meaning they simply cannot afford the healthy foods necessary for long-term well-being.

Our neighbors experiencing food and nutrition insecurity face growing hurdles. Rising grocery prices, paired with state funding shortages at the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) that delay SNAP and HIP benefits, have made access to healthy food harder than ever.

To meet these challenges, we’re continuing to collaborate with dedicated partners like Spoonfuls, Night Owl Farm, Boston Area Gleaners, and local supermarkets to supply us with wholesome food. We’re also expanding fresh food access directly out in the community by sponsoring a SNAP Match every Friday at the Franklin Farmers’ Market—but we need your support.

Please consider making a donation to The Pantry, or become a GEM (Give Every Month) member to provide dependable support for our neighbors. Your generosity helps local families receive the nutrition they need to thrive. Thank you for helping ensure that no one in our community needs to faces hunger alone.

With heartfelt gratitude for your partnership,

Tina Powderly

Executive Director, the Franklin Food Pantry

Boston Globe: "The Trump administration wants you to believe SNAP is broken. Tell that to 62,000 kids in Mass. who lost it."

"What is reality?

This is the deep philosophical question over which this nation is currently divided.

Is reality, like, what’s actually happening before our eyes? Or is it what the hateful, self-enriching ghouls who run this country tell us is happening, despite blindingly obvious evidence to the contrary?

Trump won the 2020 election! Iran has been totally defeated! Dead ICE victims weaponized their cars! The economy is spectacular! Vandals wrecked the Reflecting Pool!

Pulling food assistance from millions of Americans? A great and glorious triumph!"

Continue reading the Globe article via this shared link - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/25/metro/snap-cuts-children-losing-benefits/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Consider contributing to the Franklin Food Pantry to help our neighbors that have lost or seen their SNAP benefits reduced - https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Please Consider Lending a Hand: Volunteers Needed at the Franklin Food Pantry

Demand for food assistance in the Franklin community is at an all-time high. As the need grows, so does The Pantry’s reliance on dedicated volunteers to keep operations running smoothly. 

The Franklin Food Pantry is currently seeking energetic individuals to support weekday operations. Volunteers must be comfortable with physical tasks, including lifting and moving heavy boxes, and possess the stamina and strength required for an active, fast-paced shift.

Volunteering at The Pantry is incredibly rewarding. You’ll see the immediate impact of your hard work on your neighbors' lives and connect with your community. 

To join our volunteer team, please visit our website (www.franklinfoodpantry.org/volunteer) and complete an application, or email Laura Doherty, Associate Director, at Ldoherty@franklinfoodpantry.org

Best wishes to the Food Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team

via Franklin Food Pantry

"We are incredibly grateful to this year’s Pantry Race Team as they prepare for the Falmouth Road Race on August 16!

(L-R) Chris, Jack, Leila, Michael, Catherine, Jim, Oona, Captain Amber

Shoutout to Team Captain Amber, Michael, Catherine, Jack, Chris, Leila, Oona, and Jim, who are hitting the pavement to help feed our community.

100% of their fundraising efforts directly support the Franklin Food Pantry and our neighbors in need. Please help them reach their fundraising goal!

Click here to back the team and make a donation today. https://bit.ly/4vwRSJh

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1JudRnw8Ts/

The Franklin Food Pantry is hiring to meet the rising need of the community

Via the Franklin Food Pantry newsletter:

"We're Hiring! Join The Pantry's Operations Team

Demand for food assistance in our community is at an all-time high, and we are working hard to continuously meet that rising need. To support our growing operations and ensure we can get more food to more people, we are looking to hire two paid positions:

Program Expansion Manager: This role will support our new expansion initiatives aimed at increasing access for individuals and families across our community.

Support Services Coordinator: This role will support the daily operations of The Pantry through active, hands-on work and closely collaborate with our wonderful team of volunteers.

If you are interested in either position, please review the job descriptions by clicking on the links above and emailing a cover letter and resume to Lisa Ryan, Star HR Consulting, lisa@starhrconsulting.com."

The Franklin Food Pantry will match your SNAP benefits at the Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Food Pantry is sponsoring the SNAP Match program at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, offering an unlimited, dollar-for-dollar match that doubles the purchasing power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Funded through grants and individual gifts, the SNAP Match program is a win-win for the local community. By effectively lowering the cost of farm-fresh produce, households experiencing food insecurity gain greater access to nutritious options. The program also supports local vendors and regional agribusinesses.

The Franklin Farmers’ Market takes place every Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM, June through October, on the Franklin Town Common.

How the SNAP Match Program Works

Any household registered with SNAP, regardless of their resident town or state, can participate in the SNAP Match at the Franklin Farmers’ Market.

Before shopping, SNAP recipients bring their SNAP EBT card to the Franklin Food Pantry booth. Shoppers tell the staff how much they would like to spend from their SNAP benefits. The representative swipes the SNAP EBT card and “matches” the chosen amount dollar-for-dollar in SNAP Tokens. For example, spending $10 results in $20 worth of tokens. 

SNAP tokens can be spent just like cash with any SNAP-eligible vendor at the Franklin Farmers’ Market. Franklin Farmers’ Market SNAP tokens are exclusive to the Franklin Farmers' Market and SNAP tokens from other farmers’ markets cannot be accepted.

For more information on the SNAP Match program, please visit the Franklin Food Pantry booth at the Franklin Farmers’ Market, or contact the Franklin Food Pantry at 508-528-3115 or info@franklinfoodpantry.org.

To apply for SNAP benefits, please visit the Department of Transitional Assistance website. 

About 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 Distribution, 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.