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Facing unprecedented demand for food and assistance, the Franklin Food Pantry is appealing to the community for support after serving a record-breaking 215 households in a single day. The increase in households seeking assistance comes as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are scheduled to end on November 1, 2025.
In response to the growing need, The Pantry is purchasing additional food from wholesale suppliers and leveraging established partnerships with local retailers. To ensure new clients can access help, The Pantry is adding dedicated Client Support Service Hours every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm. During this time, staff will focus exclusively on registering new clients, scheduling shopping appointments, and assisting with critical wraparound services (note: shopping is not available at this time).
“The threat to SNAP benefits has brought food insecurity to the forefront, but the reality is that demand has been rising sharply for months,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “People are losing jobs, housing costs are at historic highs, and health insurance premiums are increasing. Just this week, in a single day, we registered as many new clients as we typically did in an entire month last year. We’re committed to being here for our neighbors — but we need our community’s support to ensure that anyone who needs food can access it with dignity.”
Individuals and organizations who want to help can provide immediate, impactful support in the following ways:
Make a Monetary Donation
The Pantry purchases food and personal care items at significant discounts and tax-free from the Greater Boston Food Bank and local retailers, making the most of every dollar donated.
Organize a Food Drive
Mobilize coworkers, youth groups, sports teams, and clubs and collect nonperishable food and deliver to The Pantry at 341 W Central St., Franklin, MA. Be sure to register your food drive with The Pantry. A list of high priority needs can be found The Pantry’s website.
Purchase and Ship Donations though The Pantry’s Amazon Wish List
Send items that The Pantry needs the most by using our Amazon Wish List. Please be sure to send packages to Franklin Food Pantry, C/O Postal Center, PO Box 288, 279 E Central St, Franklin, MA 02038.
Additional information on supporting The Pantry can be found online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org
To receive food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit our website for Franklin Food Pantry’s eligibility information, or contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, by email at Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org, or by phone at 508-528-3115.
For assistance outside Franklin Food Pantry’s service area, please use the Greater Boston Food Bank’s online agency locator tool to find a food pantry.
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Related Update from Beacon Hill Thursday Afternoon:
Ahead of public food benefits running out for over a million Bay Staters on Saturday, Gov. Maura Healey announced Thursday that the state will advance a scheduled $4 million payment for food pantries — but is not tapping into the state's reserves, despite calls from advocates to do so.
Almost every other state in the region has announced they'll use state funds to cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Payment (SNAP) benefits for residents as the federal funds dry up amidst the ongoing federal government shutdown. President Donald Trump can also keep dollars flowing to the program by tapping into contingency funds, but has said he won't, drawing ire from Democrats and other critics nationwide.
