Register to Join Congressman Jim McGovern for a Progress report on the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health (virtual meeting)

The Interfaith Council's Housing Assistance Program shares this invitation to a Zoom Progress Report on ending hunger in Massachusetts, March 17 at 1 PM. 

See the notice and letter from Sen. Jo Comerford, below. 

Contact her office for the links.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CpY0UAAOuW_/

Contact information for Senator Comerford ->   https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JMC0

To register ->   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuaZ0TezniogCj540iYDmCBogsf40qsfsyRQ-HBKfslNFjkg/viewform 

Register to Join Congressman Jim McGovern for a Progress report on the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health (virtual meeting)

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

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

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

In the News: Fire Dept busy, hunger largely invisible problem, MIlford tops FHS in football

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

"The Fire Department fought two fires on the same street Friday afternoon - one at a home and another at a compost pile. 

Both took place on Beaver Street - the house fire at 73 Beaver St., the compost fire at the town recycling center at 455 Beaver St. 

According to Fire Chief Gary McCarraher, the house fire was reported around 4 p.m. He said three adults and a child were in the home then, and that all three were got out safely. The fire, he said, was under control by 4:37 p.m."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160916/franklin-firefighters-have-busy-day

"While more than 10 percent of eastern Massachusetts residents struggle to put food on the table, Greater Boston Food Bank President and CEO Catherine D’Amato characterizes hunger as a largely invisible problem. 

She hopes a new awareness campaign will help bring hunger out of the shadows. The Greater Boston Food Bank, which provides food for more than 550 member agencies in 190 communities, is participating in the national Hunger Action Month this September. D’Amato recently discussed the campaign with Wicked Local and shared her thoughts on hunger in Massachusetts."

The Franklin Food Pantry is a proud member agency of the Greater Boston Food Bank

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160916/food-bank-sheds-light-on-hidden-epidemic

"It had been a long time—20 years, in fact—since the Milford football team had beaten rival Franklin. While they have only been in the same league for five years, the Panthers had been a pain in the Scarlet Hawks’ side for two decades. That includes last year when the Panthers overcame a 14-point, second-half deficit to upend Milford in the final minute. 

This time, though, the Scarlet Hawks simply refused to lose. Although the Panthers manufactured a game-tying drive to even the score in the final seconds of the first half, Milford utilized its dominant running game to ultimately pull away with a 35-7 victory over visiting Franklin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/20160916/milford-35-franklin-7-scarlet-hawks-win-worth-wait

Fight Hunger Paintball Challenge – July 12, 2015

"In memory of Quinton Buehrens"

Proceeds to support The Franklin Food Pantry

Come spend the day “FIGHTING HUNGER”

No family should ever go hungry and the Franklin Food Pantry works miracles every day supporting those families in Franklin that are in dire need of Food and other supplies.

• Time: 8:30 am to 5:00pm
• Registration: 9:00am
• Games start at 10pm and ends at 4pm

Fight Hunger Paintball Challenge

Your Greater Boston Food Bank Update: Braving the Cold and Buried in Snow

	Email not displaying correctly? View it here.
February 20, 2015
Follow GBFB on    New England winters are always more difficult for those in need. The cold results in higher energy costs, making it difficult to keep up with bills to stay warm and to buy enough nutritious food to stay healthy. This winter has brought frigid temperatures, unprecedented volumes of snow and more complications for all. At The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), we are busy working around snow storms to ensure we can keep up. We are grateful for your dedication, and your continued support is needed more than ever so we can help our neighbors in need through this rough winter. Learn how you can help to End Hunger Here. Each year, GBFB and its network of supporters raise our voices to advocate for increased Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) funding. In 2014, MEFAP funds provided more than 16 million meals, or 12% of all meals provided. This year, the Food Bank Coalition of Massachusetts (The Greater Boston Food Bank, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank and Merrimack Valley Food Bank) is advocating for an increase in MEFAP funding to $20 million, which could enable GBFB to provide another 7 million meals. Learn more and how you can join our advocacy efforts to help End Hunger Here. As part of our continued efforts to assess our work, we are conducting a short survey. The survey results will provide insights on how to improve our messaging focus to better serve our community and to support our mission to End Hunger Here. We value each of our supporters who make our work possible, and invite you to participate. The survey will only take five minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous. Super Hunger Brunch 2015 On January 24 and 25, GBFB and restaurants around Boston hosted the 32nd Super Hunger Brunch. Thank you to all who joined us to Brunch for a Cause. We are still waiting for final results, but want to share some photos from the great weekend. Stay Warm with Chicken Noodle Soup These cold winter days are perfect for warm chicken noodle soup. Designed by GBFB's Registered Dieticians, this recipe is packed with protein and healthy vegetables. Also, ingredients are representative of common items distributed by GBFB. Get the recipe here and enjoy!

The Greater Boston Food Bank  |  70 South Bay Ave. Boston, MA 02118-2700 Phone: (617) 427-5200  |  Email: info@gbfb.org  |  Privacy Policy  |
Copyright © 2015 The Greater Boston Food Bank

"Citizens Bank is a model partner"

September was Hunger Action Month and in recognition of this, Citizens Bank made the following announcement.

The Citizens Bank Foundation will donate a series of 11 grants totaling $525,000 to several food organizations across the state as part of its One Million Meals initiative. The money will be used to provide meals to children and families. 

Two of the food banks benefiting from the grants are the Greater Boston Food Bank and the Worcester County Food Bank, both of which supply goods to food pantries in the Milford area, including the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Milford and the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Jerry Sargent, president of Citizens Bank in Massachusetts, said in a statement Tuesday: "When nonprofits, corporations and consumers work together, we can make a positive impact for the millions of people across America, and thousands here in Massachusetts who struggle with hunger and food insecurity."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655343792/Citizens-Bank-pledges-more-than-4-million-meals-to-feed-hungry-families#ixzz2geMDFeOG

For more about Hunger Action Month:
http://feedingamerica.org/get-involved/hunger-action-month.aspx

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

For more about the Franklin Food Pantry:
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/09/the-franklin-food-pantry-takes-stock.html

For more about Citizens Bank and its community efforts: http://www.citizensbank.com/community/default.aspx


Disclosure: I am proud to be employed by RBS Citizens Bank and to help the Franklin Food Pantry!

Annual "Fight Hunger" Paintball Challenge 2013

Where: FOX 4 Paintball Field - 159 Milford Street, Upton, MA 01568

Email: Dave Painter (dave@fox4paintball.com)

Phone: 508-529-FOX4 (3694)

When: Saturday, September, 21^st 2013

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm

RAIN OR SHINE!

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!

A raffle for a Paintball rifle

A portion of the admission price will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry.

We will be taking contributions of Non-Perishable items and Dry Goods the day of the event.

Donations can also be made directly to the drop off box at:

Franklin Food Pantry
43 West Central Street
P.O. Box 116
Franklin, MA 02038-0116
Telephone: 508-528-3115

Reminder: Tuesday events

• The Hunger Dinner is being held at Dean College's Campus Center at 7:00 PM

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/dean-college-hunger-awareness-banquet.html

• The Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will meet to discuss grants this evening at 7:00 PM at the YMCA on Forge Park Road.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/trail-grants-up-for-discussion.html

Dean College Hunger Awareness Banquet (Free Event)

Losing power seems to be a random event. Your residence loses power and folks on the next block still have power. Frustrating? You bet. During the recent storms, you can drive around Franklin and see houses with lights and power, and then rows of houses in the dark.

Hunger can be like that too. It is usually less visible. The person next to you looks normal. How can you tell if they are hungry? Dean students have set up this event to discuss hunger and its effects.

Taking a “can drive” one step further, Dean College invites the Franklin and surrounding communities to a public “Hunger Banquet” on Tuesday, November 13, in which participants will experience a meal either as an Upper Income citizen, Middle Income citizen, or Lower Income citizen. Dean Community Outreach students conceptualized and will emcee this learning experience where guests will be assigned a class upon arrival and will experience life as a member of that class for the duration of the program. Upper income class guests will receive a scrumptious meal served to them in an upper class setting at a roundtable. Middle income class guests will experience their meal middle class meal at rectangular tables, while the lower income class experiences their meal on the floor.

This event is free. Participants are asked to bring a canned good for the Franklin Food Pantry

Tuesday, November 13, 7:00 PM 

at the Dean College Campus Center

Info from the Dean College calendar
http://www.dean.edu/events/index.cfm?calid=4858

And Franklin Town News
http://franklintownnews.com/content/dean-college-hunger-banquet

Experience Life as Upper, Middle, or Low Income Citizen at Dean College Hunger Banquet

Experience Life as Upper, Middle, or Low Income Citizen at Dean College Hunger Banquet

Dean Community Outreach invites guests to an interactive learning experience banquet promoting hunger awareness, featuring a complimentary meal & guest speaker.

Franklin, MA (October 15, 2012) – Taking a "can drive" one step further, Dean College invites the Franklin and surrounding communities to a public "Hunger Banquet" on Tuesday, November 13, in which participants will experience a meal either as an Upper Income citizen, Middle Income citizen, or Lower Income citizen.

Dean Community Outreach students conceptualized and will emcee this learning experience where guests will be assigned a class upon arrival and will experience life as a member of that class for the duration of the program.  Upper income class guests will receive a scrumptious meal served to them in an upper class setting at a roundtable.  Middle income class guests will experience their meal middle class meal at rectangular tables, while the lower income class experiences their meal on the floor.

"The stunning visual aspect of this meal is unfortunately an accurate representation of the issue of Hunger in the United States, and beyond," said Shannon Overcash, Staff Adviser to the Dean Community Outreach student group.  "While most people are aware that hunger is a problem out there, many do not realize it can be a problem very close to home, even here in Franklin.  Bringing you're children, friends, or spouses to experience it first-hand will be very beneficial to yourself and the community."

Guests are invited to experience this program free of charge, however, Dean Community Outreach students ask that each guests bring with them a canned food donation which will go to the Franklin Food Pantry.  In addition to the meal experience, a representative from the Franklin Food Pantry will speak to guests about the hunger and poverty in the Franklin area.

Event Details: When: Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 7:00pm Who: Dean Community Outreach, Franklin Food Pantry Where: Dean College Campus Center (109 W. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038) Why: To help promote awareness surrounding poverty & hunger in the local community & beyond.

2013 Ford Escape Hunger Drive

The Franklin Ford dealership is looking to help the Franklin Food Pantry as well as Feeding America with a program they are calling "2013 Ford Escape Hunger Drive".

For every test drive of a new 2013 Ford Escape on Saturday, Sep 8th from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, Franklin Ford will make a contribution to Feeding America that will provide 40 meals. Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry will be accepted at Franklin Ford.

2013 Ford Escape Hunger Drive

A test drive will

• gain a donation from Ford to provide 40 meals
• get an entry to win a 2013 Ford Escape

When you go for a test drive, you can drop off a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry!

Stamp Out Hunger - Sat - May 12

The letter carriers of the Franklin Post Office will pick up your contribution this Saturday as they make their rounds with the mail.



Food and non-food items are welcome. You can check out the current needs listing for suggestions

Note: At this time the Franklin Food Pantry has lined up more than enough volunteers to help process the receipts on Saturday. Thank you!

World Food Day - 2011

"Never before has man had such capacity to control his own environment, to end thirst and hunger, to conquer poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and massive human misery."

~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy, before the UN General Assembly

Jeremy Irons on getting mad



Sign the petition to end hunger here
http://www.1billionhungry.org/


This Sunday, around your table in Franklin, have a conversation on where your food came from.

Join Oxfam America and make this World Food Day, Sunday October 16th, a cause for celebration and action! When we sit down to dinner every day, rarely do we realize that our meal depends on a global system that involves people both next door and across oceans. This World Food Day, Oxfam America is teaming up with allies across the USA and around the globe to encourage people to take a simple yet profound action. We’re asking you and thousands of others to dedicate your Sunday Dinner on October 16th to a conversation about where your food comes from, who is behind its cultivation and how we can make the food system more just and sustainable. Just click on www.oxfamamerica.org/worldfoodday We are all tied to a global food system that is broken. Yet there is a strong and growing movement of individuals and organizations working to repair and improve the system. In a world facing the challenges of the current famine in East Africa, constrained land and water, and an erratic climate, one of the best ways to combat global food insecurity is to invest in farmers and remove the barriers that limit their productivity. Creating this awareness is what a World Food Day Sunday Dinner is all about.

Desmond Tutu for World Food Day 2011 talks briefly in this video:




Join the many in Franklin looking to make a difference locally. Key among the groups making an effort in this area are the Franklin Food Pantry, the Community Gardens, the Farmers Market (Fridays on the Town Common) with help from the YMCA and the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation.
.

How should we tackle hunger?

Learn About Programs Addressing Hunger, Poverty and Unemployment

The D.C. Central Kitchen is one of the many organizations that is tackling hunger head-on. They turn leftover food into millions of meals, offer culinary job training to once homeless and hungry adults and teach urban kids about healthy foods. Take a look at their website, learn what they do and how similar models can be implemented in your community.

From TakePart "How to help Hunger Awareness Month"

What can you do to help the Franklin Food Pantry?

1. Volunteer your time
2. Donate some money or food 
3. Spread the word about the services we do provide

To find out more about the Franklin Food Pantry 

• stop by our tent at the Harvest Festival on Sunday, Oct 2 or 
• visit the Franklin Food Pantry web site here:  http://franklinfoodpantry.org/

How hungry are you?

Take the Hunger Quiz

How much do you know about hunger in America? Take Feeding America's hunger quiz to get more information on the issue.

From TakePart "How to Help Hunger Awareness Month"

"enormous suffering on some of our nation’s most vulnerable"

From the Center for American Progress:

This week the House will debate a GOP proposal to cut $101 million from food assistance for low-income seniors and local food banks. The bill slashes $38 million (a 22 percent cut) from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, or CSFP, which provides nutritious food packages to more than 600,000 low-income families every month (96 percent of whom are seniors). The bill also cuts $63 million from The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP, which provides our nation’s emergency food bank network with food commodities and storage and distribution support. These cuts come at a time when food prices are rising and food banks are already struggling to serve their existing caseload. 

Conservatives claim these cuts on the backs of our nation’s most vulnerable families are necessary to bring our fiscal house in order. But here’s the rub: One day’s worth of Bush tax cuts for millionaires would more than offset these cuts to seniors and food banks. Here’s the math:

You can read the full posting on the Center for American Progress website
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/06/millionairetaxcutsinfographic.html

Stamp Out Hunger - May 14

With 1 in 6 affected by hunger, they can be found all around us.



Help your neighbor.

Stamp Out Hunger - flyer2011


Help us help your neighbor.

You can contribute by leaving some non-perishable goods for your postal carrier on Saturday, or help volunteer as the donations are delivered by the carriers to the Food Pantry on Saturday afternoon, or make a monetary contribution on the Food Pantry website http://franklinfoodpantry.org/


Franklin, MA

the power to change the world

“Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.  Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

This famous quote by the American anthropologist, Margaret Mead has always inspired me in my fight to end hunger. I am audacious enough to truly believe that Stop Hunger Now can be the catalyst to eradicate hunger in our lifetime.

Continue to read the remainder of Ray Buchanan's post here: http://blog.stophungernow.org/?p=795

What struck me was the coincidence (?) that this same quote is hung on the wall of the restroom at the First Universalist Church where the Board of Directors of the Franklin Food Pantry held their planning session last Saturday. This has to be a good thing! Stay tuned for more from the Food Pantry as the organization renews itself.