FM #562 - Board of Health Mtg - 06/09/21 (audio)

FM #562 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 562 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in person at the Municipal Bldg third floor training room. There was also a Zoom session for remote participation and no one did. This was the first in person meeting since Feb 2020.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting for June.  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f82d62b7-9494-48db-9871-3c5cac165c7e

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Board of Health agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/agenda-06-09-2021_0.pdf

My notes captured from the meeting 

• Live reporting for Board of Health meeting underway #boh0609

• Cathleen provides update on work for new podcast The Topic, to explore a variety of health issues #boh0609

• Lots of ideas coming for the new podcast, BoH loves the concept #BoH0609

• Discussion on emergency condemnation, slow process but underway. #BoH0609 VNA contract ending Jun 30, hiring a nurse is underway.

• There is progress on the 27 Winter St property, as well as Jordan Road property. #BoH0609

• (I neglected to close out the meeting when it adjourned. Had some in person conversations to distract me from the process.)

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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

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"

 

screengrab of a prior virtual Board of Health mtg

The Greater Boston Food Bank: "Gaps in Food Access in Massachusetts During COVID-19"

The Greater Boston Food Bank (@Gr8BosFoodBank) tweeted on Mon, May 24, 2021:

Last week, we hosted a presentation on our newly-released report, "Gaps in Food Access in Massachusetts During COVID-19"

To learn about our findings, as well as programmatic and policy recommendations, check out the full presentation: https://t.co/UMi7IhJRrH

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gr8BosFoodBank/status/1396845461034647554

 

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/WInSGSsJn5I

 

For more about the research and report visit the GBFB web page ->

https://www.gbfb.org/what-we-do/data-research/

 

"USDA extends universal free lunch through next school year"

Tracy O'Connell Novick (@TracyNovick) tweeted on Tue, Apr 20, 2021:

"As I think this is a time for good news, here's some from @USDANutrition this afternoon:  https://t.co/E5oBYj6KWG

"The United States Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday it would extend universal free lunch through the 2021-2022 school year, in an effort to reach more of the estimated 12 million youths experiencing food insecurity.

In March, the USDA said these waivers, which made school meals more flexible to administer, would be extended only to Sept. 30, leaving schools and families uncertain about what next school year might look like."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/04/20/usda-extends-universal-free-lunch/

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyNovick/status/1384596200876281856

FM #484 - Dan Feerick for Project Envoy - 03/02/21 (audio)

FM #484 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 484 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Dan Feerick. Dan is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about:   Project Envoy

• February was good, more restaurants added
• Calendar set for March
• Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
• This helps out the restaurants during the pandemic
• The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
• A win, win, win for Franklin

The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dan Feerick.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/092329d4-2258-4922-b2d3-39aecb79a991

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Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/

Link to March calendar = https://149356006.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/0001-1-300x232.jpg 

Hashtag your social post with  #ProjectEnvoy  #noonegoeshungryFranklin   

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

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"

Project Envoy March calendar

Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)

FM #449 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 449 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jane Fulton. She is part of the Franklin Interfaith Council - Food Security Team. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Project Envoy
• Calendar set for February, March, and April
• Eat in, take out at the restaurant of the day (per calendar)
• This helps out the restaurant during the pandemic
• The restaurant in turn will contribute a portion of the sales to help out the Franklin Food Pantry
• A win, win, win for Franklin

The link to the Project Envoy page is included in the show notes. Our conversation runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jane Fulton. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXx1tMqS

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Link to Project Envoy page = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/

Link to February calendar = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Envoy-calendar-February.1.27.21.pdf 

Hashtag your social post with  #ProjectEnvoy  #noonegoeshungryFranklin  

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Project Envoy's Jane Fulton talks about "eat in, take out, and help out" (audio)

Project Envoy: eat out/take out, help out

When times are tough, folks get together to help out. 

Many folks will recognize the Franklin Interfaith Council as the collective of our local houses of worship. Members representing many of the church communities formed a Food Security Team.

The question was: "How to help the Franklin Food Pantry and the local restaurants both of which are being challenged by this pandemic?"

Project Envoy was conceived.

Project Envoy will advertise participation for specials at the participating restaurants. Folks can eat out or take out. A portion of the meal will help the Franklin Food Pantry for a win-win. 

The Franklin Food Pantry will maintain a web page with the participating restaurants and  specials. 

Members of the newly formed Franklin Interfaith Food Security Team have contacted all locally owned restaurants and establishments in Franklin. 

At the moment, Project Envoy has 8 confirmed restaurants enrolled, there are conversations with others underway. 

Project Envoy is expected to formally launch on February 1. You don't need to wait until then. You can eat out/take out and help out now. 

The 8 confirmed restaurants are: Dacey's Market, Franklin Pizza and Deli, Santa Fe, Rome, Acapulco, Franklin Central Pizza; George's Pizza; and Intermission Cafe

The Food Security Team members represent: St. Mary’s Parish, St. John’s Episcopal, Temple Etz Chaim, the First Universalist Society in Franklin, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, and the Franklin Federated Church.

Project Envoy: eat out/take out, help out

Pantherbook: "The Franklin Food Pantry’s Food Elves Make Biggest Impact Yet to Fight Hunger"

From Pantherbook we share the following:  

"As COVID-19 cases continue to grow each day, so do the lines for food pantries across America. According to NPR, nearly 1 in 4 households have experienced food insecurity this year, which can be described as the lack of constant access to sufficient amounts of food needed to live a healthy life. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 10.5% of all American households (13.7 million) experienced food insecurity at some point in 2019. The image below displays the 4 main levels of food security and describes how households are affected at each level."

Continue reading the article
https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/01/06/the-franklin-food-pantrys-food-elves-make-biggest-impact-yet-to-fight-hunger/ 

the 4 main levels of food security and describes how households are affected at each level

"Food insecurity leaving an impact across MA"

Via Boston25 News

"Alison Caruso left her part-time job earlier in 2020 to care for her teenage son, who she said had become depressed after the death of a family member and spending months trying to learn from home. She relies on the food pantry in Franklin as well as food stamps to survive, she said.

The state has seen food insecurity rise significantly, according to a study by Feeding America.

Norfolk County was cited as the area with the highest child food insecure rate at 163%, which is also the country’s highest mark, according to Feeding America."

Continue reading online (video clip also available on page)

https://www.boston25news.com/news/food-insecurity-leaving-an-impact-across-ma/PUTT37R2SJBL5BQAP4MRG2ATHE/

 

 

screengrab of FFP Executive Director Lynn Calling

Franklin Food Pantry: Sharing the bounty of love and giving

Dear Pantry Friends,

During this season of Thanksgiving, hunger and food insecurity receive a lot of attention. Thanksgiving is, typically, a time when families and friends gather around a table and a bounty of food!  Unfortunately, that bounty of food is not a reality for everyone and this year many more people are facing a more difficult holiday season. Feeding America has just shared the most recent statistics  reminding us that there is still a lot of work for us to do to continue to decrease food insecurity in the Commonwealth.   

-    1 in 7 people (1 in 5 kids) in the Commonwealth is considered food insecure
-    During the pandemic, Massachusetts, has seen the greatest percentage increase of individuals experiencing food insecurity anywhere in the country - up 59%.
-    We have also seen the greatest increase in childhood food insecurity - up 102%.
-    Norfolk County has seen the largest percent change in child food insecurity - up 163%.
-   Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and food insecurity - 1 in 5 Black households, and nearly 1 in 3 Latino/a households is experiencing food insecurity.  For white households, the number is 1 in 8.   

The Franklin Food Pantry's mission is to alleviate food insecurity and compassionately empower our community through resources and collaboration.  We are doing this with your help.  Hunger does not stop after the holidays.  We can continue to provide food for our neighbors through your support - and there are a number of ways in which you can help:

  -  Donate. If you can make a monthly commitment, that helps us even more!
  -  Run or walk in this year's re-imagined Turkey Trot.
  -  Sponsor a Food Elf.
  -  Create a fundraising page.
  -  Become a Food Pantry Ambassador.
  -  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  -  Share our newsletter.
  -  Continue to educate yourself about food insecurity.

Everyone can make a difference. Thank you for all that you have done for the Pantry.  From our hearts to yours, we wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.  As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or would simply like to talk (or zoom!), my door is always open!

With Appreciation, 

Lynn Calling

Executive Director

lcalling@franklinfoodpantry.org

 

Franklin Food Pantry Turkey Trot 2020

 

This is the entry memo to the email update shared recently, for the full contents, please visit http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1114432653691&ca=ddfce886-234f-4e1c-b79e-74e5acdf068d

Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Adapts to Covid-19 Regulations

Franklin 5K Turkey Trot Adapts to Covid-19 Regulations
9th Annual Family Fun Run Benefits Franklin Food Pantry

 
The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce that the annual Franklin Turkey Trot will still happen in 2020! The fun 5K will occur with a few changes to keep all of our runners safe and provide help to the Franklin Food Pantry neighbors.

While the turkey trot will still officially run on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, each runner can run or walk their own personal 5K when it is most convenient for them and can map out their favorite course anywhere throughout town. Once runners have finished the race, they can post a picture on social media sharing that they completed their run and their time while tagging the Franklin Food Pantry and using the hashtag #turkeytrot2020.

The registration fee of $25 goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need, and participants can register online at franklinturkeytrot.org. This year, the Franklin Food Pantry will not be able to accept food donations instead of the fee. Thank you for understanding this change in policy. The first 100 registers will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Runners can also purchase a t-shirt directly from the registration page.

"This year, more than ever, we have seen the importance of the Food Pantry to our Franklin Community. Between June 2019 and July 2020, we have seen an increase of 21% of households that visit us. Our neighbors are feeling the effects of Covid-19 and are turning to the Pantry for food and support during these trying times, said Lynn Calling, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "Thanksgiving will look different for many this year, but one thing that will not change is the tradition of the The Franklin Turkey Trot to rally our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. The over 1,400 individuals we serve are grateful to our community for coming out to support us."

There are also several opportunities for local businesses to sponsor the race. Funds received from sponsorships are used to purchase t-shirts for the first 100 registered race participants, and other costs associated with the event. Any additional money from sponsorships will go directly to support the Franklin Food Pantry. Interested sponsors should contact Kim Cooper at kcooper@franklinfoodpantry.org or Krystal Whitmore at franklinturkeytrot@gmail.com.

"I'd also like to take the time to thank Race Director Krystal Whitmore who volunteers every year to coordinate this wonderful event. We weren't sure if we'd be able to have this event this year, but we are so fortunate We are fortunate to have an incredibly hard-working group of volunteers, led by Krystal, to still make this event happen," said Calling. "Krystal organizes church members, high school students, and her own family members to volunteer. The amount of work involved is amazing. We could not do this without them."

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,400 individuals. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. Between June 2019 and July 2020, 287,691, pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.

Note: Franklin Matters is proud to be a sponsor of this event

2019 Turkey Trot Runners

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

Greg and Kathy Spier of Foxborough are issuing a $50,000 challenge grant to support the Hockomock Area YMCA’s commitment to support kids and families during this pandemic. The Spiers are matching every donation made August 10^th through September 26^th up to $50,000. When the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge is met, it will result in $100,000 to benefit food security initiatives through the Hockomock Area YMCA.  

Since the pandemic started, when the Y’s doors were closed in March, the Hockomock Area YMCA immediately began providing food for people in need and providing emergency child care for essential personnel. As of August 7th, 152,000 meals and 15, 623 grocery bags have been provided to people in the local communities that the YMCA serves.

Every Wednesday, since March 18^th, the Hockomock Y has provided free family-size grocery bags valued at $50 each at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro to anyone in need. Additionally, the Y has been working with school nutrition departments and community partners to ensure that children and families have grab and go meals for breakfast and lunch while schools have been closed and through the summer months. As the need for food access continues to grow, grab and go meals are now offered in Bellingham, North Attleboro, Milford and Wrentham.

“In these challenging times, our YMCA has been there for our community providing an important safety net for so many kids and families,” said Ed Hurley, President of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “I’m so proud of the work our Y has done – reflecting our mission and values - to provide emergency support focused on the needs of those challenged with food insecurity. Greg and Kathy Spier have been passionate partners for so many years with our Y.  This incredible challenge will help our neighbors when they need it most and is the latest example of the Spier family’s commitment to our YMCA and the communities we are so proud to serve.”   

Greg and Kathy Spier, long time Foxborough residents, Y members and volunteers, and community leaders, are committed to improving the quality of life in their community.  The Spier Family’s legacy includes the naming of the indoor and outdoor aquatics centers at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch, along with their parents, Sonja and the late Alex Spier.

Through the Spier Family Kindness for Kids Challenge, Kathy Spier expressed her hope that this challenge “will inspire people to make a gift to help feed kids and families and spread kindness and a caring hand to those who need it during a difficult time in our communities.”

“Our family has always believed in giving back to the community and this YMCA.  We have learned from our mom and dad the importance of paying it forward and making your community a better place. Through this challenge, and with the support of our community, together we will make a difference providing food access to our neighbors in need during this pandemic,” said Greg Spier.

When asked why the Spiers are issuing this challenge, Greg shared, “Kathy and I give because our hearts feel good when we do so, and we advocate for the Y because we know the Y’s reputation and commitment to helping people. Now more than ever in these uncertain times, we all need to come together to support one another.”

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 Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

Many family and individuals have lost jobs which has an increasingly hard strain on people’s budgets for basic needs like food and other necessities and are not able to make ends meet. Through the YMCA, people will have access to healthy meals and food as a result of these philanthropic efforts and the support of a caring community of people who want to strengthen our community and make a difference.

For more information about the Y’s food securities initiatives, visit hockymca.org/food-access.

About 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.

Spier Family Issues Giving Challenge At Hockomock Area YMCA

In the News: "Breakfast After the Bell" signed by Gov Baker

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

A new law will require public schools with large populations of low-income students to provide breakfast after the school day begins in an effort to address childhood hunger and give all students a chance to succeed in school.

The so-called “Breakfast After the Bell” bill was signed Tuesday by Gov. Charlie Baker. The governor also signed a resolve to erect a memorial in the House chamber containing the text of the speech Martin Luther King Jr. delivered on April 22, 1965 to a joint assembly of the House and Senate.

The breakfast bill championed by state Sen. Sal DiDomenico, D-Everett, and others would require schools with 60% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price meals to offer breakfast after the instructional day begins.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout has disproportionately impacted poorer communities and communities of color – communities that experience the greatest gap between what support is needed and the support they receive. Breakfast After the Bell will break down barriers to accessing food, which perpetuates the achievement gap, and help us move to a more equitable public education system, one in which all students get the nutrition they need to succeed,” said Catherine D’Amato, CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200805/baker-signs-school-breakfast-mlk-memorial-bills?rssfeed=true

The legislation itself  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4218

Bill seeks to get meals to medically vulnerable seniors

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A bill that would establish a Medicare pilot program to address the link between diet, chronic illness and senior health has been introduced by a bipartisan group including U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern.

The Massachusetts Democrat said the bill would ensure that nutritious meals reach medically vulnerable seniors in their homes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing data to help build a more resilient health care system.

“There is no doubt that what we eat plays a huge role in our overall health, yet our federal policies are decades behind the science on this,” McGovern said in a press release. “We prioritize treatment instead of prevention.”

Other lawmakers backing the measure including Republican U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski of Indiana and Roger Marshall of Kansas and Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200523/bill-seeks-to-get-meals-to-medically-vulnerable-seniors


For the resources available locally, check out the Coronavirus portal on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/community-resources-and-support

check out the Coronavirus portal on the Town of Franklin page

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

AlertsMA: Need help buying healthy food? You may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Visit Mass.gov/covid-snap for more information and how to apply.

"You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) administers SNAP benefits. SNAP provides a monthly benefit to buy nutritious foods.

To get SNAP, you must be low-income and be a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen (restrictions apply). Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and nonfinancial criteria."

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits

Franklin Food Pantry Purchases Building to Expand Services

The Pantry Looks to Renovate a Bigger Franklin Space to Better Serve Its Neighbors

Today (Apr 27, 2020) the Franklin Food Pantry announced that it has purchased a building to be able to better serve its neighbors. The building formerly known as Dante’s Motors, Inc. is located on 138 East Central Street and will undergo renovations to make it into a functional and expanded Pantry.

The new building will allow The Franklin Food Pantry to increase safety, accessibility, confidentiality and robustness of its current services and help The Pantry to develop new services to better fulfill the full mission of the Franklin Food Pantry. The Pantry will announce a Capital Campaign later in the year to help fund the renovations of the new space. In the meantime, The Pantry will continue to operate at its current location and appreciates the Support of Rockland Trust.

“For the past three years, The Franklin Food Pantry has been searching for a bigger space to be able to increase our assistance to our community. We are so thankful to Rockland Trust for loaning us our space and taking such good care of us over the past ten years, but we have outgrown the building,” said Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Through the generosity of our Board members and close friends of The Pantry we were finally able to make this happen. Because of the commitment of the Board - as volunteers, donors, and advisors - we have been able to secure a mortgage for this property.”

Lynn Calling, Executive Director, stands in front of the future home

“We are so grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from our community as we meet increased demand due to Covid-19 and we are happy to be able to bring some good news to them,” said Tina Powderly, Board President. “This endeavor has been a long time coming and we’d like to thank community member Christine Bracci who worked with us so closely to help create a lasting legacy for her family’s business and to ensure the growth of the pantry.”

“This building has been in my family for a long time, and I’m so glad that I was able to work with the Franklin Food Pantry to give the building new life and another chance to serve the Franklin Community,” said Christine Bracci, previous owner. “I would like to thank my attorney Michael Heaney, Heaney and Small LLP for his help with making this deal possible.”

During the pandemic, the Franklin Food Pantry continues to operate to serve all new and existing neighbors. The Pantry has changed its hours to Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The Pantry is distributing prepackaged bags of shelf stable items as well as fresh produce and proteins through a drive up service. Since March, the Pantry has seen a weekly increase of new neighbors needing to receive services and all donations have gone toward continuing to feed its patrons.

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to over 1,100 individuals. Clients have access to a variety of fresh, frozen and nonperishable foods on monthly scheduled shopping trips as well as Walk-in Fridays. They can visit the Pantry daily for fruits, vegetables, bread and pastry. As a nonprofit organization, the Pantry depends entirely on donations, and receives no town or state funding. In 2019, 302,336 pounds of food was provided to clients. Other programs include the Weekend Backpack Program, Carts for Clients, Mobile Pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. Visit www.franklingfoodpantry.org for more information.

In the News: exploring ‘new ways’ to pass State budget; public assistance programs

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Spilka: State exploring ‘new ways’ to pass budget

"Bills aimed at providing protection for renters and homeowners are among the Senate’s short-term COVID-19 response plans, and beyond that, Senate President Karen Spilka is looking at ways to keep the body running with most senators working remotely amid the ongoing public health crisis. 

“We’re just about to enter the surge. I think all of us need to keep our eye on the ball, or the surge, right now,” Spilka said Wednesday after virtually caucusing with Senate Democrats for upwards of three hours. “We just can’t take our eyes off of it.” 

Gov. Charlie Baker has projected the number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts could reach its peak somewhere between Friday and April 20. A total of 16,790 people had tested positive for the coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, and 4 o’clock has become synonymous with grim daily updates of infection and virus death totals. 

Nearly a month after Baker declared a state of emergency, Spilka said the Legislature’s focus has remained on limiting spread of the virus and providing a safety net for residents whose lives have been disrupted."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/spilka-state-exploring-new-ways-to-pass-budget

MA residents leaning heavily on public assistance programs

"A flood of new applications surged into state social safety net programs in recent weeks, another piece of evidence reflecting widespread economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Following Gov. Charlie Baker’s March 10 state of emergency declaration, the number of Massachusetts residents seeking government aid from three major programs rapidly increased as businesses were ordered to close and as layoffs spread widely. 

Total weekly applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC) and the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) more than tripled over the past month, state data show. 

The heightened need will get attention next week from the Legislature: on Monday, the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee will host a virtual hearing on a bill (H 4622) that would provide an extra month of TAFDC and EAEDC benefits to families in need."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200408/mass-residents-leaning-heavily-on-public-assistance-programs

Hockomock Area YMCA Responds with Food Collection & Distribution

The Y served over 5,700 meals in the first weeks of responding to the Coronavirus health crisis, and will continue to be on the front lines preventing hunger to the most vulnerable - our children. As the community need continues to grow, the Hockomock Area YMCA has announced that family-sized bags of food will be available for drive-up distribution on Wednesdays from 1-2 PM and 5-6 PM at the YMCAs located in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro. No registration is required.

Last week, at these locations (67 Mechanic Street Foxboro; 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin; and 300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro) the effort resulted in the distribution of 259 bags of much appreciated food for local families in need.

In partnership and collaboration with school nutrition and many other community partners, the Hockomock Y is also providing grab and go meals Monday through Friday in North Attleboro at the Community School and in Milford at the Memorial Elementary School. “To date, we have provided 5,729 meals,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA.

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“It is with heartfelt gratitude that the Hockomock Area YMCA acknowledges and thanks all of our community partners and Y members, friends and donors for their extraordinary generosity during this time of need,” continues Hurley.

For anyone interested in helping out, the Y has located collection bins for non-perishable food donations at the above sites, which are available seven days a week from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The response from Y members and our community has been heartwarming. But the demand will continue to grow in the coming days and weeks. Suggested donations include the following food items: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes.

Needless to say, these are challenging times that none of us could have predicted just a few short weeks ago. Despite the social distancing that is required these days, let us not miss the opportunity to benefit from social connection. Technology and social media offer great opportunities to still stay connected. But let’s also pick up our phones to check on our friends and loved ones more—which is something the YMCA is doing for its senior members: calling to check on them.

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“As our YMCA has always done, we will face these challenges head on and continue to do whatever we can to meet the incredible community need that exists all around us,” says Hurley. “We encourage those who are able to provide contributions of non-perishable foods to do so at any of our Hockomock Area YMCA branches.”

If you are interested in providing monetary donations, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org or 508-643-5265. Thank you to these leadership donors who have joined our philanthropic efforts: CVS Health, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Dave and Anne Doran, Tom and Trish Gruppioni, Stop & Shop, The Captain Kyle R. Van De Giesen Memorial Award Fund, and anonymous donors.

For more information, please visit: hockymca.org.

About 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.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we 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.

Hockomock Area YMCA Responds with Food Collection & Distribution

During this unprecedented public health crisis, the Hockomock Area YMCA is inspired by the efforts of the community to come together to support those in need. These efforts include assembling take home meals and coordinating food drive collections and distribution – all for children, families and individuals in need – supporting the fifteen communities the Hockomock Area YMCA serves.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is working with school nutrition departments and community partners to ensure that children and families have meals while schools remain closed. The Y is collaborating in North Attleboro and Milford to provide take home meals to serve children and families. In just four days more than 2,200 grab and go meals were distributed. No advanced paperwork or signup is required. 

The Hockomock Y is also coordinating food drive collections. “Our Y will continue to be a force of good in these difficult times,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We encourage those who are able to provide contributions of non-perishable foods to do so at any of our Hockomock Area YMCA branches.” 

Donation boxes are located outside of the Y’s branches in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro every weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for non-perishable food items. Through these food collections, beginning next week the Hockomock Y will be distributing a family-size food bag at its branches in Foxboro, North Attleboro, and Franklin. 

Details and schedules are available on the Y’s website at www.hockymca.org and will be updated daily. Hurley acknowledged the many local businesses and organizations who have already joined in these efforts. Said Hurley, “CVS Health, Stop & Shop, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Captain Kyle Van De Giesen Award fund have stepped up with generous financial contributions in this time of need.”

“Challenging times often brings out the best in people. Please know that our Y is committed to being there for our members, our staff and our community,” adds Hurley.

Additional information on these food distribution and collection efforts in the community, as well as suggested donation items, are available at hockymca.org.

If you are interested in providing monetary donations, please contact Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org or 508-643-5265.

About 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.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we 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.

Hockomock Area YMCA Responds with Food Collection & Distribution

Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020

"We want to thank our community for the amazing show of support that they have shown us over the past few days. We're so grateful for your donations to help us to continue to serve our neighbors through this crisis.

The Coronavirus poses an even bigger health threat to our community's most vulnerable populations - low-income individuals and senior citizens - who can't afford to miss work or an extra trip to the grocery store. With schools closed and many people out of work, we expect to see an increased need for our services. If you haven't had an opportunity and are able to donate, we'd appreciate your help. You can easily donate online. Thank you again for your support.

While our doors will still be open to all who need us, we are making some changes to ensure safety among our guests. We are limiting those who enter The Pantry. Effective immediately we are suspending our volunteer hours and will have less staff working. We will offer no shopping within The Pantry.

Instead, we ask that our neighbors keep their appointments and drive up to The Pantry and a staff member will bring prepackaged bags to their car or through walk up services. We will offer the prepackaged bags through April 6 and will reevaluate the situation then.

We are working closely with town officials and school administration to get the word out to the community that we are here for those that need us and also to discuss programs, such as the weekend backpack program, that are impacted by school closures. We will keep the community updated as plans are finalized.

In addition we also will be postponing two of our large Spring fundraising events: The Party for The Pantry and Empty Bowls. We know many of you look forward to these events and we will keep you updated when we are able to reschedule them. Thank you to our Sponsors for their support.

Please follow us on Facebook for regular updates.
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry/

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at lcalling@franklinfoodpantry.org"

Regards,

Lynn Calling
Executive Director
Franklin Food Pantry

Shared from the "Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020"
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/coronavirus-update-march-16-2020/

Franklin Food Pantry: Coronavirus Update - March 16, 2020