Showing posts with label Franklin Food Pantry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Franklin Food Pantry. Show all posts

Monday, December 8, 2025

Boston Globe: 150,000 Massachusetts residents. What can the state do? Is increasing support to food banks enough?

"The farm store Gardening the Community sells locally-grown produce, eggs, and milk, with a special focus on making these items available to low-income residents. When food stamps were suspended during the federal government shutdown in early November, the store gave away eggs and milk for free.

The giveaways were enabled in part by a significant spike in donations, with food pantries and soup kitchens across the Commonwealth receiving a surge of support amid the unprecedented cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which more than one million Massachusetts residents rely on. In addition to private donations, the state released funds from the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program to support food banks across the state.

With the shutdown now over, SNAP payments have resumed. But thanks to new restrictions outlined in President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which took effect Nov. 1, the governor’s office estimates that over 150,000 Massachusetts residents could see their SNAP reduced or cut. Governor Maura Healey has made clear that the state won’t foot the bill for people who may lose their benefits due to the federal changes. She’s calling for sustained donations to food pantries across the state to address worsening food insecurity. But advocates warn: That won’t be nearly enough."

Continue reading the article via 'gift' link -> 
Pantry Elves campaign
Pantry Elves campaign
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/12/07/metro/massachusetts-food-pantries-snap-cuts/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

The Franklin Food Pantry is working hard to handle the increased volume and you can help. There are a number of ways to get involved ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/

You can get up to date with this recent conversation with Marsha, Jen and I ->

Thursday, December 4, 2025

14th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot raises a record-breaking $55,108 for the Franklin Food Pantry

The 14th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot took place Thanksgiving morning, drawing 1,015 registrants and raising more than $55,000 for the
Carolyn and Henry Kuehnel
Carolyn and Henry Kuehnel

Franklin Food Pantry
. All of the money raised will support The Pantry’s programs and services, which provided food assistance to individuals and families nearly 27,000 times last year. The annual Thanksgiving morning fun-run is organized in conjunction with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin. 

The money raised at the Turkey Trot comes at a critical time. The Pantry is experiencing unprecedented demand for assistance, marked by an increase in new clients and the return of neighbors who previously utilized Pantry services.
“The past few months have been a particularly stressful time for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Seeing the kindness and community spirit at the Turkey Trot meant so much,” said Tina Powderly. “We are incredibly grateful to every runner, walker, sponsor, and spectator whose participation helped raise an incredible $55,108 for The Pantry. These funds will help provide our neighbors with access to nutritious food into the new year.”

The Franklin Food Pantry is grateful for the following organizations and individuals who served as this year’s race sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: G&C Plumbing & Heating 

Platinum Sponsors: Advanced European Repair, Franklin Plumbing, Heating, & Gas, Inc, Franklin Stretching & Mobility, Grove Street Auto Repair, MJ Henry & Associates, Next9Up, Notturno Home Services, Starr and Glick Orthodontics, Terrazza, Wild Birds Unlimited of Franklin

Gold Sponsors: Connell Roofing, Siding and Gutters, Middlesex Savings Bank, MyFM 101.3, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Blackstone Valley 
Silver Sponsors: Accurate Baker Elman, Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc., Krav Running Club, Knights of Columbus Franklin Council #1847, Mount Street Farm, Nutrify Performance, The Longobardi Family, Vet Med Pet Supplies

Bronze Sponsors: Active Recovery Boston, Adirondack Club, Berry Insurance, Chestnut Dental, Costello Realty, Eastern Propane & Oil, Elizabeth’s Bagels & More, Emmons St., LLC, Franklin Matters, K Cooks, LLC, Keefe Insurance, Hilltop Auto, Maple & Main Renovations, LLC, Seniors Helping Seniors, Spiffy Designs, The Baur Family, The Sabolinski Family, The Sancher Family, Simon’s Furniture, Vendetti Motors, Xpression Prints

Friends Sponsors: The Beach Family, Body Fit Training, The Bradosky Family, Mary Clermont, Franklin Family Smiles, The Hauk Family, The Johnson Family, Mint Dental, Normandin Family, O’Neill Family, The Powderly Mason Family, The Tait/Shimer/Shanks Family, The Zicherman Family

Liam Vovk Seattle, WA, Carly Fredericks, Seattle, WA, Elizabeth Griffin, Seattle, WA, William Poole New York, NY
Liam Vovk Seattle, WA, Carly Fredericks, Seattle, WA, Elizabeth Griffin, Seattle, WA, William Poole New York, NY


For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, to receive food assistance, or to donate funds and food, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

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 Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 
The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.

Friday, November 28, 2025

Over 1000 registrations for the Franklin Turkey Trot helps the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Turkey Trot set a record with more than 1000 race registrations for the Thursday morning event. 
Over 1000 registrations for the Franklin Turkey Trot helps the Franklin Food Pantry
Over 1000 registrations for the
Franklin Turkey Trot helps
the Franklin Food Pantry

There were 878 official finishers. The race/walk results can be viewed online here https://www.secondwindtiming.com/result-page/?id=371921


The financial benefit for the Franklin Food Pantry will be available later.

If you would like to contribute to the Franklin Food Pantry, there are several options to do so ->  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-gifts/




Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, November 28, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fmFranklin 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
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 


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 

Thursday, November 27, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, November 27, 2025 ???

Thursday, November 27 = Thanksgiving Day

  • No scheduled trash/recycle curbside pick up due to holiday
  • Library, Town Offices & Senior Center Closed for the Holiday


8:00am Franklin Turkey Trot (benefit to Franklin Food Pantry) (91 Jordan Rd, Franklin)

10:00am FHS football vs. King Philip (Franklin High School)

**  NO  Town Meetings today   **


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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

Monday, November 24, 2025

Pantry Elves play an important role in fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry (audio)

FM #1589 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1589 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Jen Johnson, Development Associate. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Pantry on Monday, November 17, 2025. 


Discussion items: 


  • Pantry Elves

  • Urgent Appeal vs. Year End Appeal

  • Franklin Turkey Trot

  • Lots of ways to help & contribute


The conversation runs about 29 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1589-pantry-elves-year-end-appeal-11-17-25/


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


Pantry Elves play an important role in fund raising for the Franklin Food Pantry (audio)
Pantry Elves play an important role in
fundraising for the Franklin Food Pantry (audio)

Pantry Elves sign up page ->  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/pantryelves/ 


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 


Franklin Turkey Trot ->  https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/FranklinTurkeyTrot 


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.


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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"


Saturday, November 22, 2025

Franklin Food Pantry reminds folks to ensure food safety and prevent waste, please follow the guidelines on what to donate

IMPORTANT: WE CANNOT ACCEPT PERISHABLE ITEMS INCLUDING TURKEYS ⚠️
It's nearly Thanksgiving and we are immensely grateful for our community's generosity.

If you are planning to donate to The Pantry, please read the following important information:
Franklin Food Pantry reminds folks to ensure food safety and prevent waste, please follow the guidelines on what to donate
Franklin Food Pantry reminds folks to ensure
food safety and prevent waste, please
follow the guidelines on what to donate
To ensure food safety and prevent waste, please DO NOT leave any of the following perishable items in our donation bin. Items left will be thrown away, which may result in a cost to The Pantry.
🚫 Meats (frozen, raw, cooked): Poultry, pork, beef, deli meat, etc.
🚫 Refrigerated/Frozen Items: Milk, juice, eggs, etc.
🚫 Fresh Produce: Potatoes, lettuce, carrots, fresh fruit, etc.
🚫 Home-Prepared Items: Leftovers, casseroles, baked goods, etc.
➡️ COMPLETE DONATIONS GUIDELINES HERE: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/donation-guidelines/
✅ WE ACCEPT SHELF STABLE ITEMS! ✅
We happily accept factory-sealed, non-expired items like canned yams, cranberry sauce, and boxed stuffing!
➡️ FIND OUR FULL NEEDS LIST & WEBSITE HERE: https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get.../pantry-needs/


Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Middle school, high school, and college students sought for Pantry Elves

Middle school, high school, and college students sought for Pantry Elves
Middle school, high school, and college
students sought for Pantry Elves
We’re looking for middle school, high school, and college students to join Pantry Elves!

Fundraise for the Franklin Food Pantry to purchase food and personal care items for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity and earn community service hours!

Sign up by December 1!





Friday, November 14, 2025

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

The Guardian: "US supreme court extends Trump pause on $4bn in food aid benefits"

"Millions of Americans grappling with food insecurity will face more uncertainty this week after the US supreme court enabled the Trump administration to continue withholding funds for food stamps.

In an administrative stay issued on Tuesday, the highest court upheld the administration’s request to extend a pause on a federal judge’s ruling that would have required $4bn in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Snap, the food aid relied on by 42 million people, to be distributed. The funding freeze has been given two additional days, and will now remain in place until midnight on Thursday.

With the House planning to vote Wednesday on a package that could spell the end to the longest government shutdown in US history, the administration has dug its heels in on fully funding the essential food program, insisting the funds will only be cleared when Congress comes to a compromise.

“The only way to end this crisis – which the executive is adamant to end – is for Congress to reopen the government,” solicitor general D John Sauer wrote in the Trump administration’s filing."

Continue reading the full article -> 
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/11/us-supreme-court-trump-snap-food-benefits

You can help the Franklin Food Pantry meeting the increasing need during these times of uncertainty with a monetary donation or purchase from their Amazon Wish list...   
scroll down the home page to make a choice -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
scroll down the home page to make a choice ->
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Friday, November 7, 2025

Leo & Luke start fund raising effort on hand soap/hand sanitizer for The Franklin Food Pantry

ON BEHALF OF JACK’S GRANDSONS:
Leo’s cereal drive was a HUGE success last year benefiting The Franklin Food Pantry & he has decided to hold another drive! His brother Luke will also we helping him this year & we hope to make it even MORE successful!
This year they are in need of hand soap/hand sanitizer. We created an Amazon fundraising link (below!) so all items can be purchased & shipped directly to us!

If you do not use Amazon and would like to contribute - please message me & we will make arrangements to pickup!

Thank you for your kindness & generosity; it is greatly appreciated by us and the pantry!





Spoonfuls is "Responding to the SNAP lapse"

Over the weekend, 1.1 million people in Massachusetts did not receive their expected SNAP benefits. And while it was announced yesterday that the federal government will partially fund November benefits, the timeline for release of those funds is uncertain (estimated at weeks to months) and insufficient to cover the need.  

People need to eat now. Those who were just getting by on their full SNAP benefits are now turning to other resources, including our 200+ community partners across the state, to feed themselves and their families. It’s an enormous gap for the emergency food system to fill, as you heard from our Founder & CEO, Ashley Stanley, last week.

Spoonfuls is "Responding to the SNAP lapse"
Spoonfuls is "Responding to the SNAP lapse"

Spoonfuls is stepping up now the same way we’ve been stepping up all year and throughout our history - by ensuring good food isn’t left behind.

Please consider a gift today to help us get good food to our partners and neighbors. Every $1 we receive enables us to recover 1 pound of food.


Note: Spoonfuls is one of the key providers to the Franklin Food Pantry

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

The annual Pantry Elves Campaign is getting ready to start, are you going to join?

The annual Pantry Elves Campaign is getting ready to start, are you going to join?
annual Pantry Elves Campaign
"Attention middle school, high school, and college students: are you looking to support The Pantry and earn community service hours? 

Join our annual Pantry Elves Campaign! The need for food assistance is at an all time high - but you can help fight food insecurity and bring hope to families and individuals in the Franklin area.
 
Visit our website to learn more!" 

Register by Dec 1, 2025Pantry Elves info ->   https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/volunteer/pantryelves/





Friday, October 31, 2025

Franklin Food Pantry Experiences Unprecedented Need as Federal SNAP Benefits End

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

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

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

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

The Pantry purchases food and personal care items at significant discounts and tax-free from the Greater Boston Food Bank and local retailers, making the most of every dollar donated. 
Mobilize coworkers, youth groups, sports teams, and clubs and collect nonperishable food and deliver to The Pantry at 341 W Central St., Franklin, MA. Be sure to register your food drive with The Pantry. A list of high priority needs can be found The Pantry’s website.
Purchase and Ship Donations though The Pantry’s Amazon Wish List 
Send items that The Pantry needs the most by using our Amazon Wish List. Please be sure to send packages to Franklin Food Pantry, C/O Postal Center, PO Box 288, 279 E Central St, Franklin, MA 02038.
Additional information on supporting The Pantry can be found online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org

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

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

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,880 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 
The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.