Food Pantry Celebrates $50K State Grant, Expansion of Free School Lunches

Since moving to its new location earlier in the summer, the Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance in Franklin, and the surrounding community, 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.

Fortunately, the Pantry 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 help subsidize the purchase, renovation, and maintenance of the new building located at 341 W Central Street.

“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,” said State Representative Jeffery Roy (D-Franklin).

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 you can visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.