Community Encouraged to Donate, Volunteer, and Advocate for Programs that Address Food Insecurity
FRANKLIN, MA (September 2, 2025) — The Franklin Food Pantry is joining the nationwide effort to fight food insecurity by recognizing Hunger Action Month this September. The organization is expanding food assistance services and encouraging individuals, communities, and organizations to take action—to donate, volunteer, advocate, and spread awareness—as part of this important campaign.
In a direct response to the growing regional need for food assistance, starting Tuesday, September 16, 2025, The Pantry will expand its Curbside Distribution program, which takes place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm to 7pm, to new clients in four contiguous towns: Bellingham, Medway, Norfolk, and Wrentham. The Pantry will also add a fourth Mobile Pantry, which brings food and personal care items further into the Franklin community and to people who may not have the resources to come to The Pantry.
“In Eastern Massachusetts, 1 in 3 people are experiencing hunger, and options for assistance in our area are very limited,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “As one of the larger pantries in the region, we are fortunate to have the resources, volunteers, and community support to help meet this increasing need. Expanding our services allows us to provide reliable access to food for more of our neighbors and reinforces the message of Hunger Action Month—that we can take action and make a difference.”
Individuals, groups, and businesses can take action against hunger by participating in the following:
- Make a Financial Contribution: Donations help The Pantry purchase essential items. Make a one-time gift, give monthly through The Pantry’s GEM program, give securities, or make a legacy gift. Remember to check if your employer offers a matching gift program.
- Donate Nonperishable Food: Bring non-expired, nonperishable food items directly to The Pantry or send donations through the Amazon Wish List.
- Organize a Fundraiser or Food Drive: Rally your friends, family, or group by hosting a food drive or a fundraising event like a lemonade stand or a sports tournament.
- Raise Awareness: Wear orange on September 9, 2025, for Hunger Action Day! You can also amplify The Pantry’s message by sharing our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn posts.
- Volunteer: Food banks, food pantries, and meal programs rely on volunteers. From sorting, to packing, to distributing food, there are lots of ways to get involved. To volunteer at The Pantry, please visit our website to complete a volunteer application, or click HERE to find volunteer other opportunities near you.
- Learn About Food Insecurity: To better understand food insecurity and barriers to food assistance in Massachusetts, read the Greater Boston Food Bank’s Statewide Food Access Report. For younger audiences, visit the DelCarte Park Story Walk which is featuring Saturday at the Food Pantry, a book by Diane O’Neill and illustrated by Brizida Magro this September.
While September is nationally recognized as Hunger Action Month, the reality is that food insecurity is a constant challenge for many families in Franklin, not just a one-month issue. By participating in Hunger Action Month and supporting the Franklin Food Pantry year-round, the community can ensure that no one has to face hunger alone.
If you need assistance with food and household items, or to learn more about the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or call 508-528-3115.
About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.
The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals 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 Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, 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, or on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more information.