Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge at Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a $25,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Food Access program, a part of the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign. The Spiers and the Spier Family Foundation will match every donation made September 12 - 19 up to $25,000. 

As a non-profit organization, the Hockomock Area YMCA exists to help people be healthier, more confident and connected to each other and their communities. The Y is guided every day to remain focused on how best to respond to the emerging needs of its communities as individuals and families face financial struggles. 

In 2025, $3.9 million was invested by the Hockomock Area YMCA to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive by providing scholarships to people in need in the Y’s 16 town service area to experience YMCA programs and services regardless of ability to pay. Since 2016, the Hockomock Y has been addressing hunger, providing over 152,000 bags of food to neighbors in need through the Y’s weekly food access and food pantry programs as well as served over 608,000 meals to children and families.  

Since May 2026, the Y is proudly operating Lenore’s Pantry & Market, located at its new home on Elm Street in North Attleboro, which has given neighbors facing food insecurity more choices, a welcoming place to shop, and an experience rooted in dignity. 

“Our Y is proud to operate this important resource for our community – Lenore’s Pantry & Market - as part of our Food Access program,” said Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We are fortunate to be surrounded by caring people who are committed to strengthening the quality of life in our communities. Through partnerships and the generosity of donors who support our annual Reach Out Campaign, we’re able to fulfill our mission and be there for our neighbors when they need us most. This vital work is only possible because of the incredible philanthropic support of our community.”

“Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate, steadfast supporters of our YMCA and their generous challenge will help ensure that we continue to be here for our neighbors,” added Downs.   

The Spier family’s impact on our local communities runs deep.  Their legacy at the Hockomock YMCA includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers as well as the splash park at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with Greg and Kathy’s parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier. 

Greg Spier shares, “One of my mentors is the late Don Rodman.  Don taught me the importance of being philanthropic. He always said how important it was to be philanthropic in the areas where we work and the areas where we live. What better place to be philanthropic in the area than at the Hockomock Area YMCA. The Y benefits thousands of children and families and we’re so proud to be a part of it.”  

“The Y is a fellowship that brings people together and provides joy to so many people,” says Kathy Spier.  “As our father Alex always said, we want to leave the world a better place and that’s what we are going to do.  Please make a gift to the Hockomock Y between September 12 and 19 and we will proudly match it as part of this giving challenge.” 

“Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts for making a gift and for your generous support,” says Greg Spier.

Every gift matters. To learn more about this challenge and ways to make a gift, visit www.hockymca.org/spier-challenge 

To learn about other ways to support this initiative, please contact Katie Fisher at katie@hockymca.org. 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 16 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

You can help Kim raise awareness and funds for the Medway Food Pantry

"On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Lester and I will be joining hundreds of walkers and riders to raise awareness and funds for the Medway Food Pantry. 

Kim's fundraiser page

As part of the Three Squares New England, we will be riding 62.2 miles on our bikes and hope that you will support our fundraiser to provide much needed funds to feed our neighbors in Medway, Milford, Bellingham, Franklin, etc. 

Please visit my fundraiser page by clicking on this link https://ride.threesquaresne.org/fundraiser/7394721

 

Thank you for your support and please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested in contributing to this fundraiser for the Medway Food Pantry."

 

Blessings,

Kim Mu-Chow

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.

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/

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."

Franklin Letter Carriers and Local Residents Provide 8,300 Meals Through "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive

On Saturday, May 9, the Franklin Letter Carriers collected approximately 10,000 pounds of food and household essentials during the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Despite the rain, residents across Franklin filled bags with donations, providing the equivalent of 8,300 meals to help the Franklin Food Pantry support neighbors experiencing food insecurity. The town-wide outpouring of support comes as the need for food assistance has reached an all-time high.  

Over the past year, volunteers have played an important role in preparing for the drive. Franklin youth, civic groups, and local businesses, assembled instruction bundles and paper bags which were donated by Allegra Print and Marketing. Franklin Letter Carriers delivered the bundles to households throughout Franklin to help promote the food drive and encourage households to participate. 

"While the Stamp Out Hunger food drive culminates in one incredible day of action, the work behind the scenes is a year-round commitment from Franklin Letter Carriers, volunteers, and supporters in our community," said Anne McGillis, Director of Operations at the Franklin Food Pantry. "The Pantry relies on Stamp Out Hunger donations to help sustain our community through the spring months. We are profoundly grateful to our letter carriers and community for their generosity and support."

For households who missed the drive but still wish to participate, The Pantry accepts donations at their 341 W Central St. location. Items can be placed in the purple bin on the loading dock at the back of the building. Supporters can shop and send donations directly through The Pantry’s Amazon Wish List, and monetary donations can be made on The Pantry’s website. 

Stamp Out Hunger 2027 is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2027, rain or shine! For more information about volunteering or to learn more about upcoming community initiatives that help fight food insecurity, 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.

Stamp Out Hunger drive, Saturday, May 9

This Saturday, May 9, is the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! We need your help to fight food insecurity:

1. Fill a bag non-perishable donations (suggestions listed below)
2. Place it by your mailbox before your mail delivery on Saturday.
3. Your letter carrier will pick up your donation during mail delivery, or may come back later in the day

Don't let the forecast dampen your generous spirit! If it looks like rain, just pop your donations into a plastic bag to keep everything dry.
________________________________

What We Need Most:

Shampoo & Conditioner
Body Wash & Bar Soap
Shaving Cream & Lotion
Feminine Hygiene Products
Laundry Detergent
Household Cleaning Supplies
Cereal
Pasta
Ketchup
Relish
Pickles
Jelly/Jam
Cake Mix
Brownie Mix
Hot Chocolate Mix (8-count boxes)

#stampouthunger

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DYAmucsIMYk/

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

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/

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

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"

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! 

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gz4TN2ytq/

The FUSF Food Justice Team invites you to Join us for a screening of “Common Ground” and a Potluck - Feb 22

https://commongroundfilm.org/

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 12:30 PM, the First Universalist Food Justice Team will be screening the award-winning film “Common Ground”, starring among others, Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Jason Momoa and Danny Glover.  “By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. 

The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy”. 

Enjoy a potluck while watching or feel free to bring your own lunch.  Admission is free. The screening and post-film discussion will take place at the First Universalist Society at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin MA.    

Please also mark your calendars for March 8, 2026 when the discussion of regenerative agriculture farming practices continues with a discussion with Ali Coakley, proprietor, Night Owl Farm, Franklin MA.

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. For more information, please contact us at info@fusf.org or call 508-528-5348.  

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

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

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.

GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

As we prepare our holiday gatherings and frantically search for the perfect gift or dish to serve, we are faced with endless choices. Will it be turkey or ham?  Mashed or sweet potatoes? Should I get someone a bike or a video game? The options are endless. It can be a tough choice, but what if that choice was between feeding your family or keeping your home, giving presents or staying warm?

For some people their options are much more sobering ones, as the oncoming holidays bring on stress and anxiety. Fuel bills, unexpected medical expenses and higher food and housing costs lead to such thoughts as, “How do I keep a roof over my family’s head and still put food on the table?” For these families, the holiday season takes on a whole different meaning.

GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give

The issue of hunger in Massachusetts is literally a call to action. The latest information available from Project Bread indicates that more than 22,400 people contacted Project Bread for food assistance last year. The statistics driving these calls are truly daunting. 37% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 43% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity. 

Let us be mindful during this holiday season that while Norfolk County may be a destination place to live and work there are people who reside here that need our help. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Annual Holiday Food Drive is underway, ending December 18th, and our 18th Annual Toys for Tots Drive runs now until December 9th.

Donations of nonperishable food or unwrapped toys can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High Street in Dedham and placed in the respective bins in the main lobby. Suggested donations for food include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, spaghetti sauce, toiletries, and paper products.

If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/norfolk-county-food-pantry-locations for a pantry location in your community. For a list of Toys for Tots drop-off locations, visit the Marine Corps Reserve website here: https://www.toysfortots.org/find-your-local-chapter

Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season. By supporting each other and taking a moment to think of those in need, we can help individuals and families who may be struggling with food insecurity or the pressure to deliver on holiday promises, because no one should go hungry or have to choose between keeping warm and keeping the holiday spirit.

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.