FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Franklin Food Pantry Announces Launch of Final Phase of Campaign
FRANKLIN, MA. August 3, 2023 – The Franklin Food Pantry announced today that it has reached more than 56% of its campaign goal of $3.5 million and is inviting the public to participate in the final phase of the campaign.
Ten years ago, the Pantry’s Board of Directors, anticipating that demand for its programs and services would continue to grow in the future, decided to purchase a building that would offer larger and more efficient space. The Pantry spent the next decade evaluating space options and preparing for the purchase of its first permanent home, including beginning the silent phase of its campaign in earnest in 2022. In December of 2023, The Pantry purchased the iconic former Edwin’s building at 341 W. Central St. Renovations were completed in May and The Pantry commenced offering services at its new location in June.
Having raised more than 56% of its campaign goal, The Pantry is now inviting the public to participate in the campaign.
Tina Powderly, Executive Director said, “Our new building is truly a dream come true for our community! So many people have supported us and helped us to design a truly warm, welcoming, and dignified space for our neighbors who need a little bit of support and love. We have said from the beginning, ‘It’s not about the building, it’s about what we will DO in the building that matters!’
“In recent months we have seen a dramatic increase in demand for our programs and services. In June of 2022, we served 298 households; this June, we served 367. Since moving into the new building, we have enrolled more than 45 new clients. While our new space increased refrigerator and freezer capacity by almost 200% (from 418 CF to 1192 CF), we need to fill those shelves with food to meet the staggering demand. We need the community’s help now more than ever.”
Suzanne Gendreau, Campaign Chair, said: “This campaign has always been about three things: the purchase and renovation of a building that would support serving more people in our community with the healthy food and other household goods they need; enhancing our programs and services; and securing funds to pay for future building expenses. We are grateful for the support we’ve received so far, and now we are asking everyone to pitch in to the best of their abilities to help our neighbors in need. This isn’t about doing good for someone else; it is about doing good for all of us!”
The Pantry is inviting the public in for scheduled guided tours beginning this month. To sign up, please click here.
To make a campaign contribution, please click here.
About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referral programs to more than 1,300 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, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include In-person Shopping, Curbside Pick-up, Emergency Food Bags, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meal Kits, Community Gardens, and the 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 for more information.
Media Contact:
Catherine Troutman
Communications Manager
508-528-3115
ctroutman@franklinfoodpantry.org
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