Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham report shows food insecurity rising in Mass

"As prices continue to climb on everything from gas to energy to groceries, a record 40 percent of Massachusetts households are now reporting food insecurity, according to a new study from the Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham.

The report found that 1.12 million households didn’t have reliable access to food last year, a rate that’s up from 37 percent in 2024, and more than double pre-pandemic levels.

“It’s been a very difficult year for people across the Commonwealth,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and chief executive of the Greater Boston Food Bank, which partners with 600 agencies across 190 towns in New England and serves 600,000 people each month."

Continue reading the article - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/07/business/food-insecurity-massachusetts-greater-boston-food-bank/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Go directly to the report - https://foodaccessreport.gbfb.org/

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSjVhJY2BjI

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

“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:

Make a Monetary Donation

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. 

Organize a Food Drive

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. 

The Pantry's Tina Powderly talks about how to help during Hunger Action Month (audio)

FM #1509 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1509 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 Pantry on Friday, September 5, 2025. 

Discussion items: 

Tina’s background

Location and renovations helps with delivery of services

Hunger Action Month

Hunger Action Month - national awareness campaign

Storywalk at DelCarte

Town Council presentation 9/3/25

Greet Magazine cover story

Expanding curbside services to neighboring communities

Implementing Food as Medicine

Coordination with Town and other non-profits to coordinate services

The conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1509-tina-powderly-on-hunger-action-month-09-05-25/

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

Greater Boston Food Bank ->  https://www.gbfb.org/ 

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"

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

Franklin Food Pantry shared "The Cost of Hunger in MA" report from the Greater Boston Food Bank

Via Franklin Food Pantry:

We're proud to share the Fifth Annual Food Access Report from our partner, The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Here are the findings:

• 

  "The Cost of Hunger in MA" report
  from the Greater Boston Food Bank

  Hunger on the Rise: 37 percent of Massachusetts households faced food insecurity in 2024, rising from 34 percent in 2023
• Nutrition and Health Disparities: 67 percent of food-insecure households reported having at least one chronic health condition
• Health Care Costs: 40 percent of food-insecure households reported forgoing necessary medical, dental, or prescription care
• Social Costs: For the first time, the 2024 study examined how hunger impacts social well-being and connectedness—finding, for example, that only 58 percent of food-insecure households voted in the 2024 election, compared to 82 percent of food-secure households.

Read the full report here:

https://www.gbfb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/GBFB_Food-Access-Report_2025_final.pdf

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16paAaXL7b/

Greater Boston Food Bank expands refrigeration capacity to meet increasing needs

"A team member at the Greater Boston Food Bank loaded boxes of orange juice and eggs onto a pallet, steering it by shelves as he selected items. Local food pantries compile an order, much like making a grocery shopping list for your family’s needs.

“Our agency partners go online to our shopping system they can see all of this product in house available online, and they start to build their orders based on the needs of their clients,” said Jonathan Tetrault, vice president of Community Impact and Operations for the Greater Boston Food Bank.

At more than two stories high, it would seem the food bank’s refrigerated section has plenty of space, but there is such a demand the food in cold storage turns over more than twice a week. Produce and eggs are some of the most expensive and highly sought-after items at local food pantries. The executive director of the town of Franklin’s food pantry told us last year they ordered almost 90,000 eggs.

“When the Greater Boston Food Bank doesn’t have that in stock, because our clients rely on those staples and because they are such a healthy multicultural food type, we have to go purchase those staples,” said Tina Powderly."

Continue to read and view the news clip on the Greater Boston Food Bank  refrigeration project and how it helps the Franklin Food Pantry ->   https://www.wcvb.com/article/greater-boston-food-bank-expands-refrigeration-to-meet-growing-demand/62298067

Greater Boston Food Bank expands refrigeration capacity to meet increasing needs

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded $24,929 Community Investment Grant from The Greater Boston Food Bank

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, awarded nearly $25,000 to the Franklin Food Pantry to support its ability to empower food insecure neighbors, bolstering GBFB’s network of food distribution agencies and advancing hunger-relief efforts across Eastern Massachusetts in response to the continuing hunger crisis in the state. 

The annual grant program, originally founded in 2013, has now been investing in GBFB partner agencies for over a decade. This investment aims to strengthen The Pantry’s ability to provide nutritious food to the Franklin community. The grant will be used to fund the addition of a Support Services Coordinator who will enhance The Pantry’s client programs and services, and food procurement and processing systems. Individuals interested in the new position can learn more HERE.

“The support The Pantry has received from Greater Boston Food Bank has been instrumental in alleviating food insecurity in Franklin,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director Franklin Food Pantry. “We’re grateful to receive the Community Investment Grant to strengthen our team and in-turn our community.” 

This grant coincides with GBFB’s fourth annual report on food insecurity, equity and access in Massachusetts. The 2024 study, “Opportunities to Improve Food Equity & Access in Massachusetts,” reveals consistently high rates of food insecurity in the state and sustained disparities in food access for communities of color and households with children.

“GBFB’s network of dedicated agency partners continue to inspire us to be innovative in our efforts to address food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO at GBFB. “With sustained inequities in food access across our region, we aim to continue to invest in those communities facing a heightened need for food and drive progress towards hunger relief through strategic grantmaking to our network of agency partners. As the cost of living in our region continues to rise, we look forward to seeing how these funds bolster Franklin Food Pantry’s s ability to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors in Franklin.”

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.:

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 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 In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, 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 The Greater Boston Food Bank:

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. As the food bank for Eastern Massachusetts, GBFB is feeding people in 190 towns across the region, distributing the equivalent of nearly 90 million meals through a network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs. A member of the national Feeding America network, GBFB’s mission is to end hunger here. The organization remains committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617-427-5200.

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded $24,929 Community Investment Grant  from The Greater Boston Food Bank

Franklin Food Pantry: Celebrating One Year at 341 W. Central St.

Dear Friend,

This June marks one year since The Pantry moved to 341 W. Central St.! We have grown so much and are serving more neighbors through in-person shopping, curbside distribution, weekend backpacks, home delivery, and more. We have also expanded our food rescue partnerships and offer more choices including culturally appropriate food. 

Our team of volunteers has grown to over 300 individuals, and we are strengthening our commitment to sustainability by installing solar panels and launching a compost program. All that we have accomplished is because of YOU! We are grateful for our volunteers, donors, business partners, and clients. The support we have received is a true testament to the generosity and kindness in our community and I am proud to call Franklin home. 

Unfortunately, hunger in Franklin persists. This month, our partner the Greater Boston Food Bank released its fourth annual statewide study Food Equity and Access in Massachusetts: Voices and Solutions from Lived Experience. Many of the key takeaways mirror our experience at The Pantry: the cost of living and food is too high; people must choose between buying food or paying for housing, utilities, education, or transportation; food insecurity exacerbates many medical and mental health conditions; SNAP, WIC, and school meals are not enough. 

While we are excited about our one-year anniversary, we know that there is more work to be done and remain committed to meeting the growing demand for food assistance.

Donate and Help Fight Hunger https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-gifts/

Help us celebrate our one-year anniversary by getting involved with The Pantry – host a food or fund drive, make a monetary donation, or volunteer. There are so many ways to help us fight food insecurity and we can’t do it without you.

With gratitude and appreciation for your continued support,

Tina Powderly

Executive Director, 

Franklin Food Pantry

Read the Greater Boston Food Bank Report -> https://www.gbfb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GBFB_Food-Access-Report_2024_final.pdf

Franklin Food Pantry: Celebrating One Year at 341 W. Central St.

GBFB: "The Importance of Grants: Tina Powderly and the Franklin Food Pantry"

"Food insecurity respects few if any boundaries, particularly those of geography. One in three Massachusetts residents remains in need of food assistance – no decrease since the pandemic – regardless of the fact that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially ended on May 11th. 

In Franklin, Tina Powderly, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry, reports that they’ve seen a 39 percent increase in families in need since last July – from 154 to close to 200. Ninety children receive assistance through the pantry’s Weekend Backpack Program – up from 60 just last summer. 

 When the numbers go the wrong way, the lifeblood provided by grants becomes even more important to a nonprofit. “They have been absolutely critical,” Powderly explains. “We wouldn’t be where we are now without them.” She points to the pantry’s five-year-old, grant-funded pilot, ‘Walk-In Friday’ – client-choice shopping – from which they’ve taken valuable lessons and strategies for the future. 

The program taught them that healthy produce and perishable items were key differentiators in meeting clients’ needs, prompting them to make significant investments in refrigerator and freezer space. That allowed them to carry and distribute far more frozen proteins, more milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese and produce. 

(In 2022, the Franklin Food Pantry served 1,103 people in 514 households, of which 255 of them were children, and 213 seniors.) “Those are extreme needs for our clients and quite expensive, so we’re really making a difference in their lives,” Powderly says. "

Continue reading the article online ->

https://www.gbfb.org/2023/08/02/gbfb-community-investment-grants-franklin-food-pantry/

unloading the food pantry truck at their former location

The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit franklinfoodpantry.org to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

Ending Hunger in Massachusetts - Forum scheduled for Wednesday, January 25

As the costs for basic necessities rise, more Massachusetts residents living on the economic margins must choose between buying groceries and paying for housing, transportation, childcare and other basic utilities. It's a dilemma that plays out in hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts households every day. Hunger and access to proper nutrition remain pervasive, with nearly 1 in 3 adults experiencing food insecurity in Massachusetts in 2021, an increase from 2020. Hunger in Massachusetts is significantly higher among Black and Latinx populations, and visits to local food pantries have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Food insecurity rates among Massachusetts college students, seniors, and immigrants also remain surprisingly high. The issue of food insecurity recently gathered national leaders at a historic White House Conference – 50 years in the making – on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health where a national strategy to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease in America by 2030. Now, leaders across the Commonwealth are convening and building a framework, drawing on the expertise spearheaded and piloted here, to advance our state's food security by 2030 as well. Join a State House News Service/MASSterList forum featuring leaders, advocates, and experts for a discussion of opportunities and obstacles for Massachusetts to advance this national strategy across the Commonwealth. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Dylan Rossiter: Dylan.Rossiter@StateHouseNews.com IN-PERSON EVENT Wednesday, January 25 | 8:15 a.m. - 10 a.m. | MCLE Boston (Downtown Crossing) | Doors open for light refreshments and networking at 7:30 a.m. Keynote Remarks (taped) U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern REGISTER Program: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. — Networking and light refreshments 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. — Keynote remarks from U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (taped) 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. — Panel discussion Catherine D'Amato, The Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO Erin McAleer, Project Bread President and CEO Sen. Jo Comerford, Co-Chair, MA Food System Caucus Rep. Hannah Kane, Co-Chair, MA Food System Caucus supporting organizations About Fresh, Children's Health Watch, Community Servings, Daily Table, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, Food Bank of Western MA, MA Food System Collaborative, Mass General Brigham, Mass Law Reform Institute, Stone Soup Café, Worcester County Food Bank

Affiliated News Services, LLC | 568 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482 Sent by massterlist@massterlist.com

Franklin Food Pantry Awarded Community Investment Grant from The Greater Boston Food Bank

Franklin-based Non-Profit to Use Community Investment Funds to Advance Local Hunger-Relief Efforts

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, awarded $13,831 to Franklin Food Pantry of Franklin, MA to support its ability to combat hunger in the area, bolstering GBFB's network of food agencies and advancing hunger-relief efforts across Eastern Massachusetts in response to an increased need for food in the state.

The annual grant program, originally founded in 2013, pivoted this year to strategically identify and invest in communities facing a heightened need for food. This investment aims to strengthen Franklin Food Pantry's ability to provide nutritious food to the Franklin community.

The grant will be used to fund technology upgrades and supplies for the Franklin Food Pantry's community garden which grows fresh vegetables for the Pantry to distribute to its neighbors.

A GBFB partner, the Franklin Food Pantry provides choice-based shopping to over 1,100 people in the Franklin community. The Pantry offers a unique hybrid model offering its neighbors appointment-based indoor shopping or a curbside distribution. Neighbors can shop weekly. Other programs include weekend backpacks for Franklin school students, home-delivery, mobile pantries, three holiday distributions and a robust community garden.

"We are so grateful to The Greater Boston Food Bank for awarding us the Community Investment grant. Franklin Food Pantry is focused on providing our neighbors with the highest quality of fruits and vegetables is committed to programming that improves our neighbor's quality of life," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "Ninety percent of our donations go directly to supporting our neighbors.  The GBFB grant enables us to invest in much needed technology to enhance our client service operations and improve our organizational efficiency, enabling our staff and volunteers to spend more time directly assisting our neighbors and fulfilling our mission. We are also grateful for the support to our Community Garden. Our neighbors enjoy receiving freshly grown organic produce each week. The GBFB support is critical as the Community Garden grows into a core Pantry program supporting the overall health of our neighbors."

This grant follows the release of GBFB's second annual report on food insecurity, equity and access in Massachusetts. The study, "Opportunities to Improve Food Equity & Access in Massachusetts," reveals rising rates of food insecurity in the state and sustained disparities in food access for communities of color; with Latinx, Black and LGBTQ+-identifying adults experiencing the highest rates of food insecurity.

"It is solely through collaboration with our network of partner agencies that we are able to address food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts on such a large scale," said Catherine D'Amato, president and CEO at GBFB. "In response to the sustained inequities in food access, we aim to invest in those communities facing a heightened need for food and drive equitable progress towards hunger relief through strategic grantmaking to our network of partner agencies. As food costs continue to rise nationwide, we look forward to seeing how these funds bolster the Franklin Food Pantry's ability to provide nutritious meals to our neighbors in Franklin.

 

About the Franklin Food Pantry 

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to almost 1,100 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.   

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, GBFB distributed the equivalent of nearly 97 million meals in fiscal year 2021 through its network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs in the 190 cities and towns across Eastern Massachusetts. A member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network, GBFB's mission is to end hunger here and it is committed to providing at least three healthy meals a day to everyone in need. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.

Community garden harvest at a Franklin Food Pantry distribution