Press Releases

12th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot Raises $48,000 for the Franklin Food Pantry
Thanksgiving Morning Tradition Enjoyed by More than 1,000 Participants

FRANKLIN, Mass. (November 27, 2023) — The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs, announces that a record-breaking $48,000 was raised by more than 1,000 runners and 60 sponsors at this year’s annual Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. The fundraising supports programs and services that assist more than 1,300 individuals and families and surpasses last year’s fundraising effort of $37,000. Organized in conjunction with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin, this is the twelfth year for the family-friendly fun run, which welcomed participants of all levels and abilities.

“Fundraising events like the Turkey Trot help provide The Pantry with much-needed funds to purchase nutritious food and essential goods for neighbors in need,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “We are grateful to all who participated in this year’s fun run and our wonderful sponsors who raised nearly $18,000 to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.”

The Franklin Food Pantry is grateful for the following organizations and individuals who served as this year’s race sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors: MyFM 101.3, LDS Church Franklin, Next9Up, Physician One, bLuxe, G&C Plumbing and Heating, Notturo Plumbing and Heating, Terrazza, Raillery Public House, Middlesex Bank.
Gold Sponsors: Capstan Atlantic, Paul A. Longobardi & Sons Trucking, Franklin Knights of Columbus, Mount Street Farm, Eagle Stainless Tube, Dean Bank, Spiffy Designs, VetMed Pet Supplies, Franklin Pizza and Deli.

Silver Sponsors: Franklin Matters, The Baur Family, Mint Dental, Keefe Insurance, Simons, Vendetti Motors, Emmons St. LLC, Starr and Glick Orthodontics, The Adirondack Club, Hilltop Auto, The Sabolinski Family, Grove Street Auto Repair, Nutrify Performance Nutrition for Women, LLC, Custom Kitchens, Gloria Meredith Photography, Xpressions Print, Accurate Baker Elman.

Friends Sponsors: Donahue Family, Chestnut Dental, Bradosky Family, DRR Contracting, Pool Pals, Lobo Family, Campbell Family, Tait/Shimer/Shanks Family, Fitzgerald Family, Schmitt Family, Whitmore Family, O’Neill Family, Franklin Interfaith Council, Van Roon Chiropractic, Johnson Family, Zicherman Family, Powderly Family, Bergen Family, Normandin Family, Wicked Fitness Franklin, Sompally Family, and Sancher Family.

The Franklin Food Pantry thanks the following local businesses and partners who provided food for race day morning: BJ’s Wholesale Club, Elizabeth’s Bagels, Garelick Farms, Shaw’s Supermarket, Stop & Shop Supermarket.

The Franklin Food Pantry thanks the following local business and partners who provided door prizes for the event: Franklin Honey, Allegra Marketing, Aubrey Greene Photography, Julie Arace Photography, Learning Express Toys, Showcase Dance Photography, Luna’s Flower Shop, The Rome Restaurant, PT Color Market, Wicked Fitness, Target, Elizabeth’s Bagels, K Cooks, 3 Restaurant, Mama Barba’s Bake Shop, The Chateau, Fiori & Fern, Altitude Trampoline Park, Level 99, Muffin House, Kevin Holmes, Molly’s Apothecary, Robert Wadley, and The Stott Family.

For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, to receive food assistance, or to donate funds and food, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. The Pantry partners with several organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Donations and grants fund food purchases, keep lights on, and put gas in the Pantry truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

Press Release

Franklin Food Pantry Invites Community Support on GivingTuesday

Demand for Food Assistance and Programs Continues to Increase as Winter Months Approach

FRANKLIN, Mass. (November 14, 2023) — The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs in Franklin, is encouraging the community to support The Pantry through acts of giving and service on GivingTuesday. The annual event occurs the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. In recent months, The Pantry has experienced a sharp increase in demand for food and services including weekend backpack meals for school children, holiday meal kits, and health and wellness items. By supporting The Pantry on GivingTuesday, Franklin residents can make a lasting, positive impact in their immediate community.

“GivingTuesday is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their blessings, and pass that gratitude on to others in need,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Vice President, of Franklin Food Pantry. “The holiday season can be a time of tremendous stress for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. By coming together, we can provide hunger relief that lasts throughout the new year.”

How to support the Franklin Food Pantry on GivingTuesday:

Donate— Make a monetary donation and help provide food and goods to the more than 1,300 individuals and families who rely on The Pantry each year. In Norfolk County, the average cost for a meal is about $5. A donation of $20, helps a family of four start their day with breakfast, eat lunch at work or school, or provide a nutritious dinner at night. Recurring monthly donations to help The Pantry budget for everyday expenses are also available. Click HERE to donate.

Show Support—Share support for the Franklin Food Pantry on social media channels. Share The Pantry’s posts or create original content that links to The Pantry website or GivingTuesday donation page. Be sure to use #GivingTuesday.

Volunteer—The Franklin Food Pantry has flexible volunteer options to meet almost everyone’s desire to help. To volunteer, complete the online application and a volunteer coordinator will be in contact. Please note that availability for new Pantry volunteers will begin after the holiday season. For more information, click HERE.

Organize a Food or Fund Drive—Individuals, corporations, schools, churches, community groups, and other organizations can coordinate a food and fund drive using The Pantry’s online toolkit. Collected food and funds will help The Pantry provide assistance throughout the season and into the new year. Click HERE to learn more.

GivingTuesday 2023 takes place on Nov. 28. To add a GivingTuesday reminder to an online calendar, please click HERE. For more information or to learn about the Franklin Food Pantry, visit www.franklinfoopantry.org.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

Press Release

Franklin Food Pantry to Hold Annual Food Elves Campaign

Middle and high school students encouraged to volunteer and assist with
demand for supplemental food assistance

FRANKLIN, Mass. (Oct. 12, 2023) —The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance and programs to more than 1,300 individuals each year, will hold the 18th annual Food Elves Campaign. This holiday season, middle and high school students will volunteer as Food Elves and solicit monetary donations for The Pantry in their neighborhoods and online. The need for assistance is particularly high this year as The Pantry has seen a sharp increase in client registrations and visits since moving to its new location in the summer of 2023. In September, average weekly visits to The Pantry increased by 36 percent compared to the same month last year. By participating in the Food Elves Campaign, the community can help alleviate the rising demand and provide relief for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

“The Food Elves Campaign was launched in 2005, and thanks to the dedication and volunteerism of hundreds of young adults and the generosity of Franklin residents, the program has grown into The Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry.
“Last year, more than 240 students raised over $93,000 and we hope to exceed last year’s number to meet the growing demand in Franklin and beyond.”

In addition to helping address hunger, the Food Elves Campaign provides valuable opportunities for youth. Volunteering can help improve self-esteem, develop career skills and interests, build relationships, and educate teens on issues affecting their community. Individuals who are interested in becoming a Food Elf can register online and receive a detailed toolkit with instructions and guidance from a parent in their assigned district. Volunteers receive up to 12 community service hours. The deadline to sign up as an in-person Food Elf is Nov. 8, and Nov. 30 for an online-only Food Elf.

Franklin residents can expect to receive a purple Franklin Food Pantry donation envelope and collection instructions from their neighborhood Food Elf following the Thanksgiving holiday. Donations can also be mailed to The Pantry or made online. For more information about becoming a Food Elf or supporting the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

Press Release

Celebratory Luncheon Hosted for Franklin Food Pantry Volunteers

Volunteers Recognized for Their Dedication to Helping End Food Insecurity

FRANKLIN, Mass. (Oct. 6, 2023) — The Franklin Food Pantry, which provides supplemental food assistance, information, and referral to Franklin residents and beyond, held its annual volunteer luncheon to recognize and celebrate the more than 140 pantry volunteers who gave over 7,000 hours of time and talent in 2022 to help address food insecurity. The event was held at Mount Street Farm in Franklin and attended by special guests Representative Jeff Roy (D), Franklin Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Franklin Town Board Member Cobi Frongillo, and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. Shaw’s Supermarket, East Central Starbucks, The Big Apple, and 3 Restaurant provided refreshments and food for the luncheon.

During the celebration, Rep. Roy presented the 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award to 18 volunteers whose service positively impacts the Franklin Community and inspires others to act. The Gold Award, for 500+ volunteer hours in a calendar year, was presented to Community Gardens and Diane Daddario. The Silver Award, for 250 to 499 volunteer hours, was presented to Suzanne Gendreau, Chris Kilburn and Maureen Kilburn. The Bronze Award, for 100 to 174 volunteer hours, was presented to Amber Baur, Mary Anne Dean, Vicki Coates, David Custer, Rachel Flum, Donna Hines, Carol Malachowski, Donna O’Neill, Kym Pruitt, Jim Roche, Maureen Sobolewski, Nancy Schoen, and Roberta Trahan.

“As a non-profit with limited resources and staff, we rely on committed volunteers to keep our warehouse full, our shelves stocked, and our daily operations running,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Our volunteers are the very heart of The Pantry and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and service to our community.”

The Pantry offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, is named Best Place to Volunteer by MyFM 101.3 in 2023 and 2022, and certified as an Al!VE Service Enterprise Organization. For more information, or to submit a volunteer application, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

Press Release

Preparations Underway for the 12th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot to Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

Registration now open and sponsorship opportunities available for the 5K fun run

FRANKLIN, Mass. (Oct. 3, 2023) —The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce the 12th annual Franklin Turkey Trot, a 5K fun run to benefit The Pantry, will take place on Nov. 23, 2023, at 8 a.m. Walkers and runners of all ages and abilities are invited to register for the Thanksgiving morning tradition which begins and ends at 91 Jordan Rd., Franklin, Massachusetts. Runners will receive a light breakfast, and category medals and door prizes will be awarded following the race. Registration fees are $20 per person prior to Oct. 18, and $25 thereafter, with a family cap of $100. Food donations are no longer accepted at the event. Proceeds from the race help provide supplemental food assistance and programs to those facing food insecurity. To register, visit franklinturkeytrot.org through Nov. 21, or register in-person at the race location on Nov. 22, between 7 and 9 p.m., or the morning of the race between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.

Race day sponsors are needed to make this year’s event a success. Funds received from sponsorships support The Pantry and cover costs associated with the event including the race registration company, timing technology, insurance, and security details.

Sponsorship levels are:

Presenting Sponsor $2,000
Platinum Sponsor $750
Gold Sponsor $500
Silver Sponsor $250
Friend Sponsor $100
Door Prize Sponsor

A complete list of sponsorship benefits is listed on The Pantry’s website. Potential sponsors are encouraged to sign up prior to Nov. 9.

To date, the following organizations and individuals have graciously committed to sponsoring the event:

Platinum Sponsors: MyFM 101.3, Next9Up, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Gold Sponsorship: Franklin Knights of Columbus #1847, Paul A. Longobardi & Sons Trucking

Silver Sponsorship: Franklin Matters, Vendetti Motors, Emmons LLC, Starr and Glick Orthodontists, Mike and Maureen Sabolinski, Nutrify Performance Nutrition for Women, LLC

For more information on the 12th annual Franklin Turkey Trot, please visit franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

Press Release

Franklin Food Pantry to Take Part in Hunger Action Month®

Annual, Nationwide Campaign Raises Awareness and Inspires People to Take Action Against Hunger

FRANKLIN, Mass. (Sept. 5, 2023) —September is Hunger Action Month®, and the Franklin Food Pantry is joining Feeding America and a nationwide network of food pantries to raise awareness and inspire the public to act on behalf of people experiencing hunger. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure. The Town of Franklin and the surrounding community are not immune to food insecurity with The Pantry providing more than 1,300 individuals with supplemental food assistance and services in FY2022. As a private, non-profit organization, The Pantry relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers, offering community groups and individuals many opportunities to become involved in the fight against hunger.

“Over the past two years, the Franklin Food Pantry has experienced a sharp increase in the need for supplemental food assistance,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “Hunger Action Month calls on our community to join the fight on hunger, restock our shelves, and make sure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food and services.”

Individuals and groups can take action against hunger by participating in the following:

Organize a food or fund drive – summer is our slowest time for food drives
Donate funds, food, or other pantry needs to the Franklin Food Pantry
Learn about the impact hunger has on Franklin and Norfolk County
Volunteer at the Franklin Food Pantry
Write to local elected officials and urge them to fight hunger
Wear orange on Hunger Action Day (Friday, September 23, 2023) to spread awareness and show commitment toward ending hunger
Join the conversation by posting photos or stories to social media with #HungerActionMonth

For more information on Hunger Action Month visit HungerActionMonth.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

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Press Release

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Secures $50,000 for Franklin Food Pantry’s Capital Campaign

Massachusetts Legislature Allocates Funds to Address Food Insecurity in the Commonwealth

FRANKLIN, Mass. (Aug. 29, 2023) —The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance in Franklin, Massachusetts, and the surrounding community, was allocated $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget. State Representative Jeffery Roy assisted in securing the much-needed funding for The Pantry’s capital campaign, which will support enhanced client programs and services, and subsidize the purchase, renovation, and maintenance of a new building located at 341 W Central Street in Franklin.

Since moving to its new location, The Pantry has seen a sharp increase in client visits. This past July, average weekly visits to The Pantry increased by 35 percent compared to the same month last year. Pantry staff attributes the increased client need to the continued high cost of food, housing, utilities,
clothing, and other expenses.

“The Franklin Food Pantry is essential to Franklin and surrounding towns, providing supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals each year,” said State Representative Jeffery Roy (D-Franklin). “The Pantry’s new building offers access to nutritious food in a dignified, modernized, larger space and I am pleased to advocate for such a worthy community partner.”

The state budget also designated funding for no-cost school meals for Massachusetts public school children in grades K-12, including the nearly 5,000 children enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools.

“The Franklin Food Pantry is committed to addressing child-level food insecurity, and we are extremely proud of our advocacy work with Project Bread and the Greater Boston Food Bank to ensure students are well nourished,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “We are grateful to Rep. Jeff Roy, Sen. Becca Rausch, Governor Maura Healey, and the entire Massachusetts Legislature for making universal school meals free for all and investing in our children and their future.”

The Franklin Food Pantry also partners with the Franklin Public Schools to provide meals and snacks to children over the weekend. As with all services at The Pantry, the Weekend Backpack Program is free to clients and depends on support and donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. To support the Franklin Food Pantry’s programs and daily operations, or to provide support for the new building campaign please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

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Press Release

Franklin Food Pantry Welcomes New Board Members

Community Leaders Jim Barton, Amber Baur, Oona Harrington, and David Stott to Strengthen and Guide Pantry Services and Programs

FRANKLIN, Mass. (Aug. 16, 2023) —The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals per year, is pleased to announce the addition of Jim Barton, Amber Baur, Oona Harrington, and David Stott to the board of directors. The newly elected members hold a variety of backgrounds and expertise in business, civic, and nonprofit leadership, and will strengthen the governance and oversight of The Pantry, which recently moved to a new building at 341 W Central Street, Franklin, Massachusetts.

“As we enter The Pantry’s next phase in our new home, it is critical to enlist additional leadership to help guide and deliver enhanced programs and services,” said Rachel Flum, Chair, Board of Directors, Franklin Food Pantry. “On behalf of the board, I am thrilled to welcome Jim, Amber, Oona, and David whose diverse perspectives and expertise will serve our neighbors and town well.”

Jim Barton co-owns Allegra Marketing Print Mail in Franklin. He previously spent more than 20 years working as a sales and marketing executive in the consumer electronics industry. Jim prioritizes community involvement and supports numerous local businesses and nonprofits including SAFE Coalition, the Franklin Cultural Council, and Foster Care Essentials. He is a graduate of Bridgewater State University and resides in Medway, Massachusetts.

Amber Baur is a demonstrated strong senior leader with more than 30 years in operations, service management, and employee development. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration. She finds great joy in helping others through volunteering at the Franklin Food Pantry, coaching Franklin Youth Soccer, and being a docent at Southwick’s Zoo. She and her family reside in Franklin.

Oona Harrington is passionate about creating inclusive and equitable environments and supports individuals and teams through her work in talent strategy and operations. Oona volunteers as a mentor for her company’s Women’s Business Resource Group and is a senior mentor for The Valedictorian Project. She also volunteers at Franklin Public Schools serving as a sub-committee member, co-chair for the Weekend Backpack Program, and as a parent representative on the school council. Oona earned an undergraduate degree from Boston University and a graduate degree from Babson College. Oona and her family reside in Franklin.

David Stott is Senior Vice President, General Counsel at Sensata Technologies, an NYSE-listed industrial technology company. He practiced corporate law with private law firms in New York City, London, and Houston. David previously served on the Governance Committee of the Food Pantry Board. He and his family reside in Franklin.

The four new board members will serve three-year terms, increasing the volunteer-led team to eleven individuals. To support the Franklin Food Pantry’s daily operations, or to provide support for the non-profit’s new building campaign, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org

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News Release

For Release On: August 3, 2023

Contact: Marsha L. Tait

508-528-3115

mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org

341 West Central St., Franklin MA 02038

Franklin Food Pantry Announces Launch of Final Phase of Campaign

FRANKLIN, MA. – The Franklin Food Pantry announced today that it has reached more than 56% of its campaign goal of $3.5 million and is inviting the public to participate in the final phase of the campaign.

Ten years ago, the Pantry’s Board of Directors, anticipating that demand for its programs and services would continue to grow in the future, decided to purchase a building that would offer larger and more efficient space. The Pantry spent the next decade evaluating space options and preparing for the purchase of its first permanent home, including beginning the silent phase of its campaign in earnest in 2022. In December of 2023, The Pantry purchased the iconic former Edwin’s building at 341 W. Central St. Renovations were completed in May and The Pantry commenced offering services at its new location in June.

Having raised more than 56% of its campaign goal, The Pantry is now inviting the public to participate in the campaign.

Tina Powderly, Executive Director said, “Our new building is truly a dream come true for our community! So many people have supported us and helped us to design a truly warm, welcoming, and dignified space for our neighbors who need a little bit of support and love. We have said from the beginning, ‘It’s not about the building, it’s about what we will DO in the building that matters!’

“In recent months we have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our programs and services. In June of 2022, we served 298 households; this June, we served 367. Since moving into the new building, we have enrolled more than 45 new clients. While our new space increased refrigerator and freezer capacity by almost 200% (from 418 CF to 1192 CF), we need to fill those shelves with food to meet the staggering demand. We need the community’s help now more than ever.”

Suzanne Gendreau, Campaign Chair, said: “This campaign has always been about three things: the purchase and renovation of a building that would support serving more people in our community with the healthy food and other household goods they need; enhancing our programs and services; and securing funds to pay for future building expenses. We are grateful for the support we’ve received so far, and now we are asking everyone to pitch in to the best of their abilities to help our neighbors in need. This isn’t about doing good for someone else; it is about doing good for all of us!”

The Pantry is inviting the public in for scheduled guided tours beginning this month. To sign up, please click here.

To make a campaign contribution, please click here.

# # #

About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

April 7, 2023

The Pantry is pleased to announce that it has been certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as a Service Enterprise! Achieving Service Enterprise certification is a prestigious accomplishment for an organization. In fact, organizations that certify join the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance. Certification signifies that organizations have the capability and management expertise to strategically use volunteers to improve the performance of their organization. The Pantry completed an extensive assessment, over 20 hours of training and coaching, and an extensive internal planning and change process to better integrate 6 volunteers into our human capital strategy. By achieving this level of excellence and certification, The Pantry is now better equipped to leverage the time and talent of volunteers and better meet our mission.

Tina Powderly, Executive Director of The Pantry, said: “The lifeblood of the Franklin Food Pantry is our volunteers. We might have 9 paid staff, but we are a team of well over 125. The SEI process was a recognition of, and investment in, this invaluable asset. The goal was to elevate our program into a sustainable and scalable model while raising awareness internally and externally of our volunteer impact. We have done all of that and more. The volunteer perspective is as important as food and client needs in all strategic decisions. Our volunteers have grown in size and responsibility, and we’ve identified deeper and unique skill sets to broaden their impact on our mission. We leveraged technology to weather the challenges of a pandemic and recession. The volunteer program is approached with intentional development and a holistic view of how it fits into our mission, resulting in high engagement, satisfaction and efficiency.”

Research conducted by the TCC Group, a national program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as Service Enterprises outperform peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness, and are more adaptable, sustainable and capable of scaling their work. The Service Enterprise program is a national change management program that helps organizations gain a greater return on volunteer investment to better achieve their mission. For more information regarding volunteer opportunities with our organization, please visit here.

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