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. 

In this season of giving, we often see the reverse advent calendar meme being shared on social media. The idea is that on each day of December a person would donate an item to give to a local food pantry and then on December 24, the food is delivered. While we appreciate the spirit behind the idea, we wanted to take the opportunity to share the best way that you can help The Franklin Food Pantry this holiday season and throughout the year!

The Franklin Food Pantry gives thanks to our community for helping us fulfil 220 Thanksgiving baskets for our neighbors. Our neighbors received a turkey, potatoes, vegetables, rolls, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, coffee, choice of an Apple or Pumpkin Pie, and a Yankee Candle votive to help make their meal festive.

During this season of Thanksgiving, hunger and food insecurity receive a lot of attention. Thanksgiving is, typically, a time when families and friends gather around a table and a bounty of food!  Unfortunately, that bounty of food is not a reality for everyone and this year many more people are facing a more difficult holiday season. Feeding America has just shared the most recent statistics  reminding us that there is still a lot of work for us to do to continue to decrease food insecurity in the Commonwealth.   

This year the Franklin Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” Campaign marks 15 years of helping neighbors in need during the holiday season and beyond. Starting on December 1 and running through December 12, the neighborhood collection by local middle and high school student serves as the largest fundraiser for The Franklin Food Pantry. Be on the lookout in your neighborhood for purple envelopes to support your local Food Elf.