Attention Parents: Check out the Interent Safety event April 3; it comes with free kid care & a meal

Vis Donna Grady:

"Franklin Community,

Most of you know me as the President of the Franklin Education Association. I'm also Chair of the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety and Wellness Committee.

Interent Safety event April 3

THIS coming Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 -7pm at FHS, my committee is hosting a FREE Family Safety Awareness Forum about Online Safety and CyberBullying. Our doors open at 5:30 for child care, with the adult program running from 6-7pm. We have food for the kids and adults and activities for the kids. We're giving away an IPad as well.

Please come learn how to identify online dangers and how to protect your kids and family."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16TrhfTjkM/

You can listen to Donna & I talk about the importance of this event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/attnetion-parents-check-out-interent.html

Crockpot meal fund raiser for the Franklin Lions

Crockpot meal fund raiser for the Franklin Lions

via the Franklin Lions:

Love a meal from the crockpot?

Now you can order a crockpot meal to be delivered! You can get it all ready before you go in the morning then have it for dinner!

All the proceeds benefit Franklin MA Lions Club charities.

Thank you for all your support!

Create an account and make an order -> https://whatacrockfundraising.com/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17QcCoq6ZL/

Franklin Food Pantry Increases December 2024 Holiday Meal Distribution by 42%

Dedicated volunteers, generous community support, and the utilization of Oasis Insight contributed to The Pantry's successful distribution

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance in Franklin, distributed an unprecedented 473 holiday meals in December, a 42% increase from the 333 meals distributed last year. Reaching more people over the holiday season was made possible by The Pantry’s dedicated volunteers and generous donors, and by utilizing Oasis Insight, a customizable software provided at no cost from the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Dec Holiday Meal Distribution Increases by 42%

Over a three-week period in December, volunteers and staff used Oasis Insight to schedule appointments, communicate with clients, and monitor inventory. The result was that every client who shopped at The Pantry was provided with a holiday meal consisting of a grocery store gift card and an extra bag to fill with their choice of food.

The new holiday meal distribution process was first implemented over the Thanksgiving holiday and was developed in response to client feedback. It was designed to reach a greater number of people and to provide clients with the dignity of choosing food and preparing meals that are meaningful to them. In previous years, The Pantry distributed pre-packed holiday meal kits during a single, designated time. The new process is more convenient for clients, eliminating the need to sign up in advance to receive a meal, which could lead to confusing pickup times and waitlists, and the burden of an additional trip to The Pantry.

"While the need for food assistance continues to rise, we are inspired by the dedication of our volunteers and the incredible generosity of our community who helped ensure so many families and individuals enjoyed holiday meals to celebrate with loved ones," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "We also extend our sincere gratitude to the Greater Boston Food Bank and their dedicated team for their invaluable support in implementing Oasis Insight, which helps us serve our clients more effectively and reach more people experiencing food insecurity."

To build upon The Pantry’s success, during the month of December, anonymous food donations in our donation bin increased 93% compared to last year, and The Pantry Elves campaign which included more than 170 middle and high school students reached $86,000. These donations demonstrate the generosity of our community, will help sustain programs and services, and provide food and household needs for our 850 households that visit The Pantry.

For more information or to support the Franklin Food Pantry through donations or volunteerism, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-help, or contact The Pantry at 508-528-3115.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. 

The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Franklin Food Pantry Distributes Record Number of Thanksgiving Meals

Client Feedback Helps Transform Holiday Meal Program to Reach More People 

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance in Franklin, provided 484 Thanksgiving meals this November— a 73% increase from the 279 meals distributed last year. The significant increase is attributed to a new Thanksgiving meal distribution process. This year, every client who shopped at The Pantry in November was provided with a grocery store gift card and extra bag to choose traditional Thanksgiving offerings or culturally relevant options and celebrate in ways that are meaningful to them.

Franklin Food Pantry

The new distribution process was made in response to client feedback, and to reach a greater number of people over an extended period of time. In previous years, The Pantry distributed pre-packed holiday meal kits during a single, designated time. The new process eliminates the need to sign up in advance to receive a meal, confusing pickup times and waiting lists, and the burden of an additional trip to The Pantry. 

"The Pantry's new approach to providing holiday meals allows us to reach more families and provide food and resources to help everyone celebrate this special time of year," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. "We are grateful to the dedicated volunteers and generous donors who have made this enhanced client-centered program possible."

This December, The Pantry is repeating the successful meal distribution process for the winter holidays. For more information on supporting the Franklin Food Pantry through donations or volunteerism, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved.

 

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-help, or contact The Pantry at 508-528-3115. 

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. 

The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Franklin Food Pantry Distributes Record Number of Holiday Meal Kits

The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs in Franklin, Massachusetts, distributed 275 holiday meal kits to coincide with the Thanksgiving holiday, and 333 holiday meal kits for December holiday celebrations. 

Meal kits included canned goods and vegetables, a gift card to purchase a protein of choice at a local supermarket, and holiday inspired desserts. The meal kits were distributed curbside by volunteers and staff. Many of the meal kit items, including the reusable shopping bags, were donated by community groups, local business partners, and supporters of The Pantry. 

This year’s demand for holiday meal kits echoes the overall increase for food and services at The Pantry. Visits to The Pantry from September to December 2023 increased 42 percent vs. the same period last year. The Pantry attributes the growing need to continued high cost of food and housing, the end of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments, and The Pantry’s increased visibility on Rt. 140 in Franklin.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide hunger relief to our neighbors in need especially during the holiday season, but the growing need underscores that there is more work to be done,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Fighting hunger is an ongoing battle and with the community’s support we can get food into the hand of those who are experiencing food insecurity throughout the year.”

Individuals, community groups, and businesses can get involved by hosting a food or fund drive, making a tax-deductible donation, or volunteering.  More opportunities to get involved are listed on The Pantry’s website. 

For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, or if you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call 508-528-3115 or email info@franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. 

Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, Community Gardens, and the Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four- Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

 

Franklin Food Pantry Distributes Record Number of Holiday Meal Kits

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office needs volunteers to pack meals.  We also have volunteer delivery driver positions available.  

Volunteer drivers receive $0.56 per mile.  We provide a hot lunch to homebound seniors in Franklin, Medway, Bellingham & Blackstone.  

If you have a couple of hours to chip in and help out, please call Jeanne at 508.520.1422 for further information.

The Franklin Meals on Wheels office could use some help. Maybe that can be you?

Free school meals extended through the 2022-2023 school year!

@MassGov

has extended free school meals through the 22-23 school year! This means that meals will continue to be served at NO COST to ALL STUDENTS. Household applications for free/reduced meals are still important to fill out & will be available in the coming weeks.

Free school meals extended through the 2022-2023 school year!

Shared from FPS Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1554836497123065858

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 14, 2022

Franklin School Committee

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

June 14, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. 8th Grade Civics Projects Highlights
B. Norfolk County Sheriff's Office Comfort Dog
C. Space Needs Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Davis Thayer Vote
I recommend, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 15A, that the School Committee declare that the Davis Thayer Elementary School property is no longer needed for school purposes, and further that the School Committee notify the Town Council of that determination.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_dt_vote.pdf
B. Superintendent’s Evaluation
The chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Evaluation as discussed.

C. Revised FY23 Budget
I recommend approval of the revised FY23 Budget amount of $70,220,825.00 as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_fy23_revised_budget.pdf

D. Meal Prices
I recommend increasing the meal prices for the 2022-23 school year as detailed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_meal_prices.pdf

E. Refund of Graduating Seniors' Meal Balances
I recommend making an exception to policy EFD for school year 2021-22 to refund meal account balances over $10.00 for graduating seniors with no younger siblings as detailed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_graduating_senior_meal_balances.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 24, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Solutions Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $275.00 for in-house enrichment as detailed.
C. Music Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $974.00 from the Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.
D. PCC Gifts
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1600.00 from the Jefferson, JFK, Parmenter & Keller PCC’s for in-house enrichment as detailed.
E. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
F. Districtwide Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $285.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for districtwide in-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel.

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc - https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-14-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder - https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-14-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 14, 2022

Franklin Food Pantry distributes holiday meals

On December 21, The Franklin Food Pantry distributed 245 holiday meals to our neighbors. 

Our neighbors received a delicious Boars Head ham with brown sugar glaze, side dishes, a warm holiday gift, candy, cookies and either Dunkin or Starbucks coffee. It was wonderful to see so many smiles to end this difficult year. 

We have many people to thank for their donations and assistance to making this special meal happen.

Thank you to:

• Amazon Wish List Participants for Dunkin Coffee and Sugar Cookie Mixes
• B Luxe Salon
• Bodiya Family
• Chris Feeley
• Metrowest Provisions and their customers
• Starbucks Franklin
• Shaw’s

Thank you to everyone who continues to support The Pantry and our neighbors. Happy holidays to you and wishing you a safe and happy new year! 

 

#foodpantry https://t.co/v7sTHSiCN2

Franklin Food Pantry distributes holiday meals

Franklin Public Schools: Meals Pick Up Correction

October 13, 2020

Good morning,

This message is a correction to the meals pick up message from Friday's communication. As noted, pickup at Parmenter is being closed due to low participation.

Free breakfast and free lunch is available for pickup near the cafeteria at the rear of Franklin High School from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (NOT 3-4 PM). All meals are free between now and December 31, 2020.

Thank you,
Franklin Public Schools
 
 
For additional information on the school meals during this pandemic period, visit
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/school-operations/food-services 

Franklin Public Schools: Meals Pick Up Correction

Grab-and-go Meal Options

This week's grab-and-go meal options for any child 21 and under. 
Available behind FHS 11 AM - 1 PM

Grab-and-go Meal Options

Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1257287464068222977?s=09

FM #236 Karen Alves - Senior Center Pandemic Updates 4/03/20 (audio)

FM #236 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 236 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Karen Alves, Director of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about food services, “Meals on Wheels” can use volunteers, GATRA’s “Dial-a-Ride” has waived fees for seniors, the 50+ networking group is going virtual, an Earth Day lecture was recorded and the video will be posted to the Senior Center page on Apr 22.

Additional details on topics of our conversation can be found in the April issue of “The Franklin Connection” newsletter https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/apr20connection_-_copy_1.pdf

Two quick updates to add to our conversation that Karen realized we missed discussing:

• For reassurance calls: "The Senior Center staff offers a weekly reassurance call for those who would like to receive one. Please call the Center at 508 520-4945 and leave a message."
• For the mental health clinician: "A mental health clinician is available by telephone for elders needing assistance. Please call Gail at: (774) 307-3524 or (508) 657-2791." This program is available through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

This conversation runs about 20 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Karen and hear what the Senior Center is doing during this pandemic period.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrsfSY07



  --------------

Tri-Valley, Inc delivering “Meals on Wheels” can use volunteers, please contact Gail Hamilton by calling 508-520-1422

Franklin Senior Center = https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc and specific updates for this pandemic period https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/senior-center-resources-and-support

The April issue of “The Franklin Connection” newsletter.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/apr20connection_-_copy_1.pdf

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"

FM #236 Karen Alves - Senior Center Pandemic Updates 4/03/20 (audio)

In the News: balancing the FY 2019 budget; Holliston rail trail; Meals on Wheels needs volunteers

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

"Town officials agree that balancing the budget will be the main topic of concern for the new year. 

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting said town officials haven’t picked through the budget with a fine-tooth comb, but has an early prediction that there could be a more than $3 million shortfall. He said it’s too early to tell where cuts might have to be made. 

“We’re going to have a big struggle balancing the fiscal budget,” he said. “It’s the dominant issue that Franklin will face in the next six months.” 

Nutting said state aid will be set in stone in February. The budget will be voted on in May or June by the Town Council. They will be holding their annual goals workshop later this month."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/franklin-2018-brings-budget-trouble

Franklin Municipal Building

"Holliston Trails Committee Chairman Robert Weidknecht started dreaming of a completed Holliston rail trail 20 years ago. 

“Throughout the years, I’ve heard all the naysayers. ‘Oh, it’ll never get done, it’ll cost too much,’” said Weidknecht. “It’s a great thing for the town.” 

Holliston finished its 6.7-mile section of the multi-town Upper Charles Trail in the fall but 2018 will bring finishing touches and expansion. 

The entire Holliston stretch was open briefly until December, when a section over the Bogastow Brook closed to allow repairs to the 8 Arch Bridge. Trail users can detour to Woodland Street until the bridge reopens in the spring."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/2017-good-year-for-holliston-rail-trail

"The Medway Meals on Wheels program is hoping to find volunteers to bring food to and check in on local seniors. 

Tina Wright, who helps coordinate the program locally, said the Medway program had lost four drivers over the month of December. 

“We’re really scrambling,” she said. “We’re looking for three to four people who think they can deliver once a month - it’s an hour to an hour and a half commitment every month.” 

Wright said volunteering with the program might be a good way to help fulfill any community-service New Year’s resolutions. Though volunteerism can ebb and spike in certain times of year, she said, Meals on Wheels is seeking drivers who can consistently make monthly deliveries."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/meals-program-in-medway-seeks-volunteers

“You need so many volunteers to make it work efficiently”

“It’s a wonderful service, and the meal is not the key point of it,” says Bill Wright, volunteer coordinator of the Medway route of Tri-Valley, Inc.’s Meals on Wheels program, which is currently in need of volunteer drivers. Tri-Valley’s local Meals on Wheels program operates out of the basement of the Franklin Federated Church, with volunteers overseen by Laura Newton. In addition to Wright’s Medway route, the location coordinates meals for another Medway route, three Franklin routes and two Bellingham routes. 

When Wright moved to Massachusetts from Illinois 25 years ago, he was looking for a way to give back to the community. In his home state, he had watched and accompanied his mother when she delivered Meals on Wheels. 

“It’s somebody to stop at their house, smile, say ‘how are you today?’ Just check in on somebody to say hello to somebody who’s not getting out of their house. To engage in a conversation with somebody, no matter who it may be, because it’s their lifeline to society.” 

These meals, says Wright, are delivered to elders and people with disabilities who live in private homes or even in senior housing."

Continue reading the article online 
http://www.localtownpages.com/content/volunteers-needed-bring-meal-%E2%80%93-and-smile

screen grab of Tri-Valley, Inc website

Learn more about Tri-Valley, Inc. at www.trivalleyinc.org

"Tri-Valley’s Nutrition Program needs volunteer drivers to deliver Meals on
Wheels to homebound elders in your local community or to help pack and serve
meals at area Dining Centers. All volunteers receive training and drivers are
eligible for travel reimbursement at the rate of 50 cents per mile. Anyone who can give as little as two hours per week of their time to help is encouraged to call the Nutrition Program at 1-800-286-6640 or 508-949-6640."

Meals on Wheels fundraising

The Tri-Valley Meals on Wheels program is holding two fundraisers for March. The first, a raffle, with tickets $3 each or 2 for $5. You can purchase the tickets by calling Meals on Wheels at 508-949-6640.

Meals on Wheels raffle

The second is an Italian dinner being held on Thursday, March 31. Tickets for this are $7 and can also be obtained by calling Meals on Wheels at 508-949-6640

Italian dinner - Thursday, March 31

Meals on Wheels is looking for your help!

Wanted

Volunteers

To Deliver Meals

For homebound elders

In Franklin, Medway and Bellingham

Drivers – mileage reimbursement provided

Call… Tri Valley Meal Site 508-520-1422

Meals on Wheels screen grab

For additional info about Meals On Wheels  http://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

Franklin's Meals on Wheels Program can use your help!

Got a few hours in the morning that you want to use helping others? 

Meals on Wheels needs your help!

Deliveries are any weekday from 10:30 AM - 12:00 noon (routes are in Franklin and 2 surrounding towns).

Kitchen help is from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (in Franklin). Call 508-520-1422 with questions.

In the Globe: local meals tax

In case you missed it, the Boston Globe West section on Thursday ran an article on the local meal tax option. Franklin obtained 347,000 revenue from this during the past fiscal year. With continued growth in restaurants, this can be a continuing source of revenue. Not enough to solve our systemic problems, but substantial none the less.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2011/07/21/some_communities_find_meals_tax_a_boon/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Globe+West


Related post:
The State announced the totals for local meal tax revenues earlier in July
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/meals-tax-delivers-705-million-to-146.html

Meals tax delivers $70.5 million to 146 cities and towns

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Meals tax delivers $70.5 million to 146 cities and towns

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 7/6/11

As of today, 146 communities (about 42 percent of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns) have collected $70.5 million over the past two fiscal years from the .75 percent local option meals tax.

The Division of Local Services Municipal Data Bank has the complete list of communities that have adopted the local option tax, and the amount of revenue generated in FY 10 ($27.13 million) and FY11 ($43.33 million). This list appears on the Data Bank Local Options page; just scroll down about halfway until the bullet headed Local Option Meals Excise.

Not surprisingly, Boston has collected the most, about $30 million. The tax has delivered about $5.1 million to Cambridge, $3.2 million to Worcester and $2.3 million to Springfield. But other communities have seen the benefit as well. Natick and Framingham, which share the busy Route 9 corridor, have collected $2.7 million and Northampton, a Pioneer Valley hub of dining and entertainment, has collected $939,000. Blandford, a small town of 1,233 near the New York border, collected $52,000, mostly, one would assume, from the two MassPike service areas in the town.

The state meals tax is 6.25 percent; with the local option, the meals tax rises to 7 percent. Thus a $40 restaurant tab generates $2.80 in meals tax, of which 30-cents goes to a city or town that has enacted the local option. These small amounts add up to a sizable revenue source.

The state share of the meals tax as of May 31 had generated $740 million, up $55 million or 8.1 percent from the same period a year ago, which indicates that the increasing number of communities that have adopted the local option meals tax has not slowed down the pace of taxpayers going out to eat.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Follow the link in the second paragraph and you'll end up on the DOR website. Scroll down to the meal tax section and you'll see that Franklin gained $239,644 for FY 10 and $347,217 for the FY 11 that just ended June 30th.

A small increase but a good one!