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.

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 repeated 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.