Demand for Food Assistance Growing in Franklin Community 

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. 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, https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved .

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 [email protected].

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

Party for The Pantry to Take Place March 29 at GlenPharmer Distillery

Join local bands The Pub Kings and South Street Six for Party for The Pantry - a night of celebration, community, and making a positive impact. The fundraising event will take place on Friday, March 29 from 7 pm to 11 pm at GlenPharmer Distillery 860 W. Central Street in Franklin, MA. Dance the night away with sensational performances from local bands and take part in silent auctions, and raffles.

All proceeds from the event will support the Franklin Food Pantry, which offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to individuals and families throughout the Franklin community. Since July 2023, The Pantry has experienced a 41% increase in demand for supplemental food assistance vs. the same time last year. Proceeds from the event will help The Pantry purchase much-needed items and pay for daily operations.

Tickets to the event are $40 each and can be purchased at www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Please note this is a 21+ event.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for $350 and include a listing on the event banner, mention on Myfm 101.3, social media posts on Myfm 101.3 and Franklin Food Pantry, and two tickets to the event.  For more information, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events.