The Franklin Food Pantry is facing an urgent need for community support. Recently, they helped a staggering 215 households in just one day. This surge in demand comes ahead of the scheduled end of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on November 1, 2025.
To meet this challenge, the Pantry is buying more food from wholesale suppliers and strengthening ties with local retailers. They’re also extending their hours to assist new clients. Every Wednesday from 11 AM to 1 PM, the Pantry will focus solely on registering new clients and scheduling shopping appointments. Note that shopping won’t be available during these hours.
“Food insecurity is a growing issue. People are losing jobs, housing costs are soaring, and health insurance premiums keep rising,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “In just one day, we registered as many new clients as we did in an entire month last year. We want to help everyone who needs food, but we need our community’s support.”
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Monetary Donations: Your financial contributions allow the Pantry to buy food and personal care items at significant discounts. Every dollar counts.
- Organize a Food Drive: Gather your school, workplace, or community group to collect non-perishable food. Make sure to register your drive with the Pantry.
- Shop on Amazon: You can send needed items directly to the Pantry using their Amazon Wish List. Just ensure packages are sent to the correct address.
For more information or to contribute, check out their website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
If you need food assistance, visit the Pantry’s site for eligibility details, or reach out to Laura Du, Client Services Manager, at 508-528-3115 or via email at Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org.
Meanwhile, on the political front, Governor Maura Healey recently announced that Massachusetts will advance a $4 million payment for food pantries as SNAP benefits are set to expire for over a million residents. While some other states are using their reserves to support SNAP, Massachusetts has not taken this step, despite calls for action.
This situation reflects a larger trend across the country, where food insecurity is rising sharply. According to a recent study by Feeding America, around 38 million people in the U.S. struggled with hunger in 2022, a number that has risen since the pandemic began. Community support for local food pantries is more crucial now than ever. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps build a safety net for our neighbors in need.
