Franklin Food Pantry Announces Summer Initiatives and Mobilizes for a Healthy Season

The Franklin Food Pantry (FFP) has announced new initiatives to expand its services to existing and new clients. Firstly, The Food Pantry is in a position to test drive the mobile food pantry program this year. Beginning this month the FFP truck will become a mobile pantry, providing assistance to neighbors in the community who are unable to visit The Food Pantry’s downtown location due to obstacles such as transportation, childcare and medical reasons. Eligible members of the community will have the opportunity to pick up staples such as canned vegetables, fruits, beans, and soups; peanut butter, tuna fish, pasta, cereal, and beverages. Some non-food items may be offered as well including toiletries, household cleaning supplies and occasional pet products. Meat, dairy, fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and bakery items will be on the truck whenever available.

Franklin Food Pantry

The FFP Mobile Pantry will visit three locations as part of its pilot program on the following schedule:

• Franklin Housing Authority, 1000 Central Park Terrace on the 2nd Monday of every month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. serving residents of the Franklin Housing Authority at Central Park Terrace, North Park, East Park, or West Park Streets. 
• Franklin Housing Authority, 45 Winter Street on the 3rd Monday of every month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. serving residents 45 Winter Street; and 
• Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street on the 4th Monday of every month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. serving those affiliated with the Franklin Senior Center. 

Linda Sottile, Director of Operations for Franklin Food Pantry stated, “We expect to serve
an additional 40+ households in the next six months and hope to have additional locations on the
schedule by the end of the year.”

The Pantry also welcomes back the Healthy Futures Fresh Produce Market this summer. Running June

Healthy Futures Franklin

through October, the market will be open every Tuesday from 4:00-5:00pm. Clients can visit the downtown Franklin Food Pantry location at 43 West Central Street to pick up quality fruits and vegetables from our local farms and community garden partners. And, every 2nd Tuesday of the month, the Healthy Futures Market will present cooking demonstrations and food samplings from culinary experts of Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters® program.

Cooking Matters is a series of educational workshops offered in a fun, casual setting. The Cooking Matters staff will prepare simple, delicious dishes using seasonal produce and on-hand pantry staples. Guests will receive nutritional tips and recipe cards to help make these farm to table meals at home. The summer workshops are made possible by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation and fresh produce received from Akin Bak Farm, Hoffmann Farm, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School community gardens and Franklin Community Gardens.

Michelle Camiel, Eastern Massachusetts Manager for Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters commented, “Cooking Matters is thrilled to be partnering with local farms, New England Chapel and the Food Pantry. It’s wonderful to collaborate with partners who are just as committed to bringing food skills education to families who need it as we are. We are looking forward to the Tuesday workshops at the pantry this summer!” Erin Lynch, Director of Development for Franklin Food Pantry shared, “The Cooking Matters educational classes are presented in a casual, cooperative and fun setting and have been very successful here. We have seen waiting lists of twenty or more families for these classes so we are excited to offer a summer series under the tent to accommodate larger numbers.”

Increased availability of nutritious food comes at a critical time for those who are reliant on The Food Pantry. For many families, when school closes for the summer, food insecurity rises. While at school, children in need receive lunch daily through state funded programs, but when the bell rings for the summer months, a steady diet can become compromised. Added Lynch, “It is important to serve our clients consistently throughout the year. The Greater Boston Food Bank recognizes the need for creative solutions to these challenges, and recently awarded our pantry a $2,500 grant for capacity building initiatives. The Mobile Pantry and Healthy Futures programs engage a collaboration of resources to provide additional reach to our community. Thank you to our sponsors, partner organizations, and our incredible core of volunteers who make these programs happen. “

To this end, volunteers are still needed for a variety of duties for both programs. Adults and students are welcome for several assignments. Some of the jobs include adult licensed drivers, loading and unloading the truck, set-up, inventory, assisting clients with shopping, and more. To get involved, please contact our Volunteer Coordinators at volunteers@franklinfoodpantry.org.

About Healthy Futures Franklin 

Mass in Motion

Healthy Futures Franklin is part of Mass in Motion (MIM). MIM is a statewide movement that promotes opportunities for healthy eating and active living in the places people live, learn, work and play. Marissa Garofano, Director of Community Wellness and the Healthy Futures Initiative for The Y, commented: “The Healthy Futures Initiative is committed to reduce inactivity and poor nutrition in the fifteen communities the Hockomock Area YMCA serves through programs, projects, and policies. The Healthy Futures Fresh Produce Market at The Pantry is an extension of our efforts to provide nutritional advocacy and access to fresh fruits and produce.” About Cooking Matters® Cooking Matters® is key to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, which connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. Learn more at NoKidHungry.org. For nutritious recipes and more information about Cooking Matters®, please check out the website at ma.cookingmatters.org.

About The Franklin Food Pantry
Established in 1987, the mission of the Franklin Food Pantry is to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions, by empowering the community through resources, education and collaboration. It is part of the Greater Boston Food Bank network and depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners and the community at large. The Franklin Food Pantry is located at 43 West Central Street, Route 140 and can accept donations during business hours, Tuesday - Friday, 9am -1pm. Non-perishables may also be dropped off after hours in the bin by the front door, or monetary donations may be mailed to Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin MA 02038. For more information, visit franklinfoodpantry.org, like the pantry’s page on Facebook, or call 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization FEIN # 04-3272663.

Healthy Kids Day - Stuff the Truck

The Franklin Food Pantry participated in the Healthy Kids Day at Patriot Place on Saturday, May 3

Healthy Kids Day

Coordinated by the Hockomock YMCA as part of Healthy Futures, the event had activities for kids of all ages. Displays from multiple companies and organizations shared information and more about health.

Panorama of the Healthy Kids Day

The Franklin Food Pantry was visible in a prime location.

Panorama 2 of Healthy Kids Day

 The folks with Stop and Shop helped to fill the truck by donating about 40 cases of water and several cases of snack bars.

Left to right: Marissa Garofano, Bob Hamilton, Patty Hartnett, Kristy Brousseau, Stephanie Joyce,
Mark Lavallee, David and Susan Strittmatter

Healthy Futures Coordinator Marissa Garofano posed with Food Pantry Board Members Bob Hamilton and Mark Lavallee, Stop and Shop volunteers Kristy Brousseau and Stephanie Joyce, along with Food Pantry volunteers Patty Hartnett, David and Susan Strittmatter with the almost stuffed Food Pantry truck.

Hockomock Area YMCA Healthy Kids Day - Stuff a Truck Challenge

The Franklin Food Pantry will be bringing their new Mobile Pantry Truck to Healthy Kids Day and we challenge you to help us fill it with healthier items!

The Stuff a Truck Challenge will close out the Hockomock Area YMCA 2014 Healthy Futures Food Drive.

When: Saturday, May 3rd
Where: Patriot Place NRG Plaza, Foxborough MA (lower level outside The Hall)
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Suggested donation items include: high fiber cereal, low sodium canned vegetables, toiletries, paper goods, whole grain pasta, pasta sauce, olive oil, spices, 100% fruit juice, multi-vitamins, white tuna, cans of beans, oatmeal, nuts or seeds

Franklin Food Pantry - mobile pantry truck

Stuff A Truck Challenge At Healthy Kids Day!

The Franklin Food Pantry will be bringing their new Mobile Pantry Truck to Healthy Kids Day and we challenge you to help us fill it with healthier items!

The Stuff a Truck Challenge will close out the Hockomock Area YMCA 2014 Healthy Futures Food Drive.

When: Saturday, May 3rd

Where: Patriot Place NRG Plaza, Foxborough MA

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hockomock YMCA

 Suggested donation items include: high fiber cereal, low sodium canned vegetables, toiletries, paper goods, whole grain pasta, pasta sauce, olive oil, spices, 100% fruit juice, multi-vitamins, white tuna, cans of beans, oatmeal, nuts or seeds

Mass in Motion

SNETT Trail Healthy Heart Kick-off - Apr 25

Please join us as we celebrate the unveiling of the DCR Healthy Heart Trail, with an informative and fun introduction to a local trail gem, The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). We will begin with a formal presentation at the Y and then move to the SNETT for a walk on the trail and picnic luncheon with our Y families.

Opening remarks provided by Representative Jeffrey Roy, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, Franklin resident and YMCA Board member Brian Kelly, and a DCR representative.

There will be opportunities for networking prior to the start of the program and while on the trail.

Friday, Apr 25, 2014

9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Bernon Family YMCA

45 Forge Hill Road

DCR Healthy Heart Trail Kick-off

Please RSVP to Marissa L. Garofano by Apr 22

Director of  Community Wellness

Hockomock Area YMCA

P:  508-772-1322
E:  marissag@hockymca.org

For more information about the SNETT visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee webpage

http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Kick Off Event To Celebrate SNETT’s DCR Healthy Heart Trail

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to host a community event on Friday, April 25 for the Southern New England Trunkline Trail’s (SNETT) Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Healthy Heart Trail Kick Off.

FBRTC

The SNETT is one of the longest trails in southern Massachusetts, covers approximately 22 miles in length, and is almost entirely owned by the DCR. The trail begins in the Franklin State Forest on the east and extends to the Douglas State Forest on the west, and passing through the towns of Douglas, Uxbridge, Millville, Blackstone, Bellingham, and Franklin.

Hockomock YMCA

The trail is designated for use by pedestrians, equestrians or non-motorized vehicles and is being enhanced to improve walkability and increased recreational opportunities. DCR has designated trails statewide as Healthy Heart Trails, denoted by a green heart sign. These trails are typically around 1.5 miles in length and require an easy to moderate activity level.

The event will begin at 9:00am at the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch located at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. Town officials, Friends of the SNETT, DCR officials, Franklin/Bellingham Rail Trail Association, many community leaders, and residents will be attending.

All community members are invited to attend. At 10:00am, attendees are invited to board a bus to travel to the SNETT for guided walks provided by the Franklin/Bellingham Rail Trail Association and Friends of the SNETT as well as participate in nature games with Hockomock Area YMCA staff. The event will conclude with a picnic lunch on the trail.

If you have event questions, contact Marissa Garofano, Director of Community Wellness for the Hockomock YMCA and at 508-772-1322 or marissag@hockymca.org.

Healthy Futures Franklin

About Healthy Futures Franklin, a Program of the Town of Franklin and the Hockomock Area YMCA Healthy Futures Franklin, a Mass in Motion initiative, works locally to increase opportunities for Franklin residents to eat better and move more in the places they live, learn, work, and play. Franklin is among 52 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth that are part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program. Healthy Futures Franklin is working to support the implementation of Complete Street Policies, Safe Routes to School, Community Gardens, Safe Areas to Play and Be Active, and improving school nutrition initiatives that will make the healthy choice the easy choice for residents of Franklin. For more information on Healthy Futures Franklin, please visit www.healthyfuturesfranklin.org.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow. For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit www.hockymca.org.

Save the Date: Heart Healthy Franklin - Apr 25

DCR Heart Healthy Trails - Franklin Kick off

Hope you can join us there.  Formal invite to follow.

Healthy eating out? There is an app for that!

Eating healthy with home cooked meals is one thing. Trying to eat healthy when eating out can be something quite challenging. Fortunately, there is an app for that. If you have a smart phone, you can use this new app to help make healthy choices.

Launched in the early 1990s, Healthy Dining began as a book publisher of healthful menu options offered at restaurants in the Southern California region. Today, the company operates a website, Health Dining Finder, that allows users to search for nearby restaurants and view a list of dietitian-approved menu options with nutrition information and a selection of kid-friendly items backed by the National Restaurant Association's Kids LiveWell program. And as of late November, the "Healthy Dining Finder" app is available in a GPS-enabled mobile format, delivering access to better-for-you food at 60,000 full-serve and quick-serve restaurant locations. Users can filter results by price and distance, as well as alphabetically.

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/archive/x1275651259/Nutrition-News-Healthy-eating-app#ixzz2pKw0RWjr

The app webpage can be found here  http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/

They provide assistance to restaurants in menu preparation to provide healthy choices
http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/restaurant-partners/our-expertise

Their "Road to Health' blog offers good articles in this space
http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/blogs-recipes-more/Road-to-Health

Franklin Food Pantry Receives Grant from Darden Restaurants

Funds Earmarked to Support the Healthy Futures Initiative - Grant is one of more than 850 awarded through Darden’s 2nd annual Restaurant Community Grants program

The Franklin Food Pantry was selected as a recipient of a $1,000 grant as part of the Restaurant Community Grants program from the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants Inc. The grants program, now in its second year, empowers each restaurant in the Darden family of brands to help award a $1,000 grant to support local community programs.

Chosen by the LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant in Franklin, The Franklin Food Pantry has earmarked Darden’s funds to supply fresh fruit to its clients through its recently launched Healthy Futures Shelf. 

In Photo from left to right:  Linda Sottile, Director of Operations at the
Franklin Food Pantry; Jodi Morgan, Kitchen Manager, Jessica Studley,
Culinary Professional, and Jason McHenry, Managing Partner from LongHorn
Steakhouse in Franklin;  Tony Kucich, Volunteer at the Franklin Food Pantry,
and Jon Morse of The Big Apple in Wrentham.

“With this grant from Darden and support from The Big Apple in Wrentham, The Pantry can supply approximately 240 apples each week for 4 months, a welcome item on the shelves at The Pantry this Fall”, stated Linda Sottile, Director of Operations for The Pantry.

Healthy Futures Franklin is part of Mass in Motion (MIM), a statewide movement that promotes opportunities for healthy eating and active living. MIM programs work with communities, schools, childcare centers, and businesses to create changes that make it easy for people to eat better and move more. “Together, we can create healthier communities, and a healthier Commonwealth. We have received funding through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to continue the work in Franklin, and the Franklin Food Pantry has been an instrumental partner in these efforts”, said Marissa Garofano, Director of Community Wellness for the Hockomock Area YMCA.

According to Erin Lynch, Director of Development at the Franklin Food Pantry, “Providing nutritional advocacy and access to fresh fruits and produce is a priority for The Pantry in its role as a Healthy Futures partner. The high cost of perishable items is a barrier to wholesome nutrition for many families. We try to supply these items to our clients whenever affordable and available. We are very grateful to Darden Restaurants for their contribution to this community effort.” The Pantry has also received support from MetroWest Health Foundation, Stop & Shop, and the community to enhance the variety and quality of healthy items and nutrition resources that they can offer.

Darden’s Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s brands participated in the grant program. Many restaurants and brands worked together to award one nonprofit organization with a larger grant and make a greater impact in their community. The restaurants will award more than $1.9 million to more than 850 exceptional nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Nonprofits receiving grants support one of Darden’s three key focus areas: access to postsecondary education, preservation of natural resources and hunger. 

“Our employees are incredibly passionate about the communities where they live, and our restaurant teams are in a position to understand and help address the needs of their communities,” said Drew Madsen, Darden Restaurants’ president and chief operating officer. “We’re all proud to build on that passion through the grants program and bring real, local citizenship to life by enabling each restaurant to make a difference in their backyard.” 

For more information about the Darden Foundation, please visit www.dardenfoundation.com. For additional information on The Franklin Food Pantry, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. For more information on Mass in Motion, please contact Marissa Garofano at marissag@HOCKYMCA.ORG or visit www.healthyfuturesfranklin.org for information on the Healthy Futures Initiative. 

About Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), the world’s largest full-service restaurant company, owns and operates more than 2,000 restaurants that generate over $8.0 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and employing more than 190,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. In 2013, Darden was named to the FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the third year in a row and is the only full-service restaurant company to ever appear on the list. Our restaurant brands – Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House – reflect the rich diversity of those who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights into what our guests want. For more information, please visit, www.darden.com.

The Darden Foundation
The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation is the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants, Inc. The Foundation’s mission is to maintain a spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy as defining characteristics of Darden Restaurants. Since 1995, the Darden Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants, with $7.2 million given in fiscal year 2012. The Darden Foundation carries out its mission by focusing philanthropic efforts and resources on the following program areas: Access to Postsecondary Education, Preservation of Natural Resources and Good Neighbor Grants. For more information, please visit, www.dardenfoundation.com. 

About The Franklin Food Pantry
Established in 1987, the mission of the Franklin Food Pantry is to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions, by empowering the community through resources, education and collaboration. It is part of the Greater Boston Food Bank network and depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners and the community at large. The Franklin Food Pantry is located at 43 West Central Street, Route 140 and can accept donations during business hours, Tuesday - Friday, 9am -1pm. Non-perishables may also be dropped off after hours in the bin by the front door, or monetary donations may be mailed to Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin MA 02038. For more information, visit us at franklinfoodpantry.org, like our page on Facebook, or call us at 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization FEIN # 04-3272663.

Franklin to participate in Mass in Motion Healthy Dining Program

Healthy Futures Franklin

Healthy Futures Franklin is proud to announce its participation in the Mass in Motion Healthy Dining Program, an initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Restaurant foods tend to be higher in calories, fat and sodium, and portions are bigger than food prepared at home. But more and more customers are looking for healthier options while dining out. The Mass in Motion Healthy Dining Program works with local restaurants to make healthy food and drink options available to customers. By offering healthy entrees and side dishes, local restaurants are making it easier for Franklin’s customers to make healthy choices.

Mass In Motion

Healthy Futures Franklin will work with local restaurant owners to help them promote smaller portions, fruit and vegetable substitutions, and healthier drink options. Restaurants simply feature healthy menu items they may already offer or make small changes to make existing items healthier. By making these small changes Healthy Dining restaurants can receive free publicity in the community and across the state, increase sales, and attract new customers.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Healthy Dining Program in Franklin, contact Marissa Garofano, Director of Community Wellness at the Hockomock Area YMCA at 774.235. 2737 or marissag@hockymca.org

About Healthy Futures Franklin, a Program of the Town of Franklin and the Hockomock Area YMCA
Healthy Futures Franklin, a Mass in Motion initiative, works locally to increase opportunities for Franklin residents to eat better and move more in the places they live, learn, work, and play. Franklin is among 52 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth that are part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program. Healthy Futures Franklin is working to support the implementation of Complete Street Policies, Safe Routes to School, Community Gardens, Safe Areas to Play and Be Active, and improving school nutrition initiatives that will make the healthy choice the easy choice for residents of Franklin.   http://www.healthyfuturesfranklin.org/

About The Hockomock Area YMCA
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow. For more information about the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit www.hockymca.org

Annual Healthy Futures Youth Triathlon Encourages Youth to Give it a Tri

This fall, the Hockomock Area YMCA will host it’s annual Healthy Futures Youth Triathlon on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at its North Attleboro Branch at 300 Elmwood Street, No. Attleboro.  Youth ages 3 – 13 are encouraged to Give it a Tri and participate in one’s age appropriate division. Enjoy this opportunity to be introduced to a lifelong activity that builds confidence, determination and a love for physical activity.

2012 Give it a Tri participants

The Healthy Futures Initiative, launched in 2006, is a collective community response to the need for improved physical activity and healthy eating among youth. Since the initiative’s inception, the Hockomock Y has focused on improving the identification and enactment of strategies, building upon principals of intervention, prevention, and sustainable change.

The Youth Triathlon is a fun way to engage youth and families in physical activity and healthy eating. Perfect for both beginner and experienced athletes, the event offers a safe, fun activity to inspire and support youth. The event offers four age divisions, giving each participant the opportunity to be challenged while, at the same time, setting kids up for success.

	Ages 3 - 5	Ages 6 – 7	Ages 8 - 10	Ages 11 - 13
Swim	15 yards	50 yards	100 yards	150 yards
Bike	1/4 mile	3/4 of a mile	1 mile	1.5 miles
Run	1/4 mile	1/2 mile	3/4 mile	1 mile

Register today online at www.hockymca.org.  Click on “Events” and “Youth Triathlon.”  You may also register at any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Service Desk in Foxboro, Franklin or North Attleboro.

Day-of registration begins promptly at 9 AM. Parent orientation and bike set up will immediately follow. Athletes should arrive with their helmets and bikes. All athletes will be placed in a heat with heat leaders available to both preview the course and lead stretching.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Michael Bordonaro at 508.643.5225 or MichaelB@hockymca.org.  All proceeds benefit the Reach Out to Youth and Families Program at the Hockomock Area YMCA.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Y, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow. Learn more at www.hockymca.org.

Access to healthy affordable food is possible

If you believe that eating healthy is a right not a privilege, then Healthy Futures Franklin is a cause to seriously consider:




Join us for this meeting, Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 7:00 PM at the Franklin Food Pantry.

The Food Pantry is located in the Rockland Trust parking lot in Downtown Franklin. The lights will be on. We'll meet in the conference room on the 2nd floor.

Do you believe in the power of play?

As one who believes in the power of play, the Healthy Futures Franklin is a cause to seriously consider:




Join us for this meeting, Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 7:00 PM at the Franklin Food Pantry.

The Food Pantry is located in the Rockland Trust parking lot in Downtown Franklin. The lights will be on. We'll meet in the conference room on the 2nd floor.

Join Healthy Futures Franklin

Join Healthy Futures Franklin to create sustainable change in our community. We believe that it takes a village (or community) to energize, inspire, and spark change. We are looking for sparkplugs (volunteers to serve on subcommittees) in Franklin who also believe that:

• Play is powerful – Access to parks, outdoor recreation, and sidewalks is a priority
• Healthy eating is a right not a privilege – Access to healthy, affordable foods is possible
• United voices create change – Increase awareness of programs, projects and polices underway

Healthy Futures Franklin, a Mass in Motion initiative, works locally to increase opportunities for Franklin

Healthy Futures Franklin

residents to eat better and move more in the places they live, learn, work, and play. Franklin is among 52 cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth that are part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program. Healthy Futures Franklin is working to support the implementation of Complete Street Policies, Safe Routes to School, Community Gardens, Safe Areas to Play and Be Active, and improving school nutrition initiatives that will make the healthy choice the easy choice for residents of Franklin.

Mass in Motion

Subcommittees will be meeting for the first time on March 20th at the Franklin Food Pantry Conference Room to focus on developing time lines to implement high impact strategies and policies to improve the health of Franklin. Become part of the movement or attend to learn more. There is no obligation to stay involved, but please consider learning what this is all about and help be part of the solution.

Both Subcommittees are scheduled to meet Wednesday, March 20, at the Franklin Food Pantry back to back to accommodate community members who are interested in both areas of focus.

• Active Living Subcommittee – Wednesday, March 20, 6 – 7 PM
• Healthy Eating Subcommittee – Wednesday, March 20, 7 – 8 PM

Please contact Lauren Marciszyn at 774.235.2737 or via email at LaurenM@hockymca.org to become involved, join our mailing list or learn more about this coalition.

This was crossposted to the Franklin Food Pantry webpage
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/03/join-healthy-futures-franklin.html

Healthy Future Franklin Seeks Community Sparkplugs, March 20, 6 – 8 PM

Join Healthy Futures Franklin to create sustainable change in our community. We believe that it takes a village (or community) to energize, inspire, and spark change. We are looking for sparkplugs (volunteers to serve on subcommittees) in Franklin who also believe that:

• Play is powerful – Access to parks, outdoor recreation, and sidewalks is a priority.
• Healthy eating is a right not a privilege – Access to healthy, affordable foods is possible.
• United voices create change – Increase awareness of programs, projects and polices underway.

Healthy Futures Franklin, a Mass in Motion Initiative sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is a community-driven coalition committed to promoting healthy eating and active living through programs, projects and policies, making the healthy choice the easy choice.

Healthy Futures Franklin

Mass in Motion

Subcommittees will be meeting for the first time on March 20th at the Franklin Food Pantry Conference Room to focus on developing time lines to implement high impact strategies and policies to improve the health of Franklin. Become part of the movement or attend to learn more. There is no obligation to stay involved, but please consider learning what this is all about and help be part of the solution.

Both Subcommittees are scheduled to meet Wednesday, March 20, at the Franklin Food Pantry back to back to accommodate community members who are interested in both areas of focus.

• Active Living Subcommittee – Wednesday, March 20, 6 – 7 PM
• Healthy Eating Subcommittee – Wednesday, March 20, 7 – 8 PM

Please contact Lauren Marciszyn at 774.235.2737 or via email at LaurenM@hockymca.org to become involved, join our mailing list or learn more about this coalition.