Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham report shows food insecurity rising in Mass
Friday, February 20, 2026
The Pantry is working to expand dietary options via grant (audio)
FM #1661 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1661 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ann McGillis, Operations Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Stephanie Carlile, working part-time helping The Pantry as part of a grant. We had our conversation in person in the community room at The Franklin Food Pantry on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Discussion items:
Welcoming Stephanie Carlile, MS, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, LDN, to The Pantry
Empowering clients with dietary options and dignity in choice
Introducing Poppy the Puzzle Piece, a new mascot to help identify nutrient dense foods
Pantry named Healthy Pantry Leader by Greater Boston Food Bank
The conversation runs about 31 minutes. Let’s listen in
Audio link -https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1661-franklin-food-pantry-food-is-medicine-02-13-26/
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Franklin Food Pantry web page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
Follow The Pantry on
Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry
Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/franklinfoodpan/
Amazon wish list -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share
Grateful for the years of support from Rockland Trust for use of the prior building which is no longer standing on West Central St in the Rockland Trust parking lot.
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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, February 7, 2026
SOUPer Bowl, 4th quarter score has Franklin Behind!!!
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| SOUPer Bowl, 4th quarter score has Franklin Behind!!! |
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The FUSF Food Justice Team invites you to Join us for a screening of “Common Ground” and a Potluck - Feb 22
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| https://commongroundfilm.org/ |
Thursday, December 4, 2025
14th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot raises a record-breaking $55,108 for the Franklin Food Pantry
| 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.
| Liam Vovk Seattle, WA, Carly Fredericks, Seattle, WA, Elizabeth Griffin, Seattle, WA, William Poole New York, NY |
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.
Monday, December 1, 2025
GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give
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| GOOD DEEDS: Why We Give |
Friday, October 31, 2025
Franklin Food Pantry Experiences Unprecedented Need as Federal SNAP Benefits End
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA
Where Cause Meets Community. 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 15 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.
Monday, September 8, 2025
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
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| Hunger Action Month |
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/
--------------
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.
--------------
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"
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
NY Times: "A New Era of Hunger Has Begun"
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| NY Times: "A New Era of Hunger Has Begun" |
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Franklin Food Pantry shared "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
"The Cost of Hunger in MA" report
from the Greater Boston Food Bank- 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.








