By David Dunbar

It has been a confusing, frustrating past month for the 1,168 recipients of SNAP benefits in Franklin. First, benefits were halted temporarily during the federal government shutdown, then half the benefits would be paid, but nobody seemed to know when and how much. And now the government is open again, SNAP is back, but food insecurity continues.

Roughly 42-million low-income Americans receive monthly benefits from SNAP -- the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – also known as the Food Stamp Program. Slightly more than one million in Massachusetts receive SNAP benefits according to the Department of Transitional Assistance. The program provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people to help them maintain adequate nutrition and health.

Fortunately, there are other places to turn for free food.

“Facing unprecedented demand for food and assistance, The Franklin Food Pantry has been serving a record-breaking 215 households in a single day,” according to Communications Manager Catherine Troutman. The Pantry’s executive director, Tina Powderly, adds, “The threat to SNAP benefits has brought food insecurity to the forefront, but the reality is that demand has been rising sharply for months.”

“We’re committed to being here for our neighbors,” explains Powderly, “but we need our community’s support to ensure that anyone who needs food can access it with dignity.”

The Pantry is located at 341 Central St. in Franklin. More information is available, including times it is open for food pick up, by visiting www.franklinfoodpantry.org. Monetary donations are welcome.

The Adirondack Club in Franklin started a “Pack the Pickup” program last month to bring food and other supplies to the Food Pantry. There were three truckloads in total, filled by Club members and totaling nearly one ton of items including noodles, peanut butter, sardines, soup, dog food, diapers, toothbrushes, razors and body wash.  

In a press release, the Club said, “We were thrilled by the incredible support from our members and local businesses who generously donated food, raffle prizes, and more.”

The Franklin Senior Center hosts a mobile food pantry on the second Wednesday of each month. Members can receive a selection of shelf-stable pantry items, proteins, vegetables, fruits, dairy, bread, baked goods, and toiletries. More information is available by calling (508) 520-4945.

The local YMCA has a weekly food program. “And our numbers have tripled,” says Director of Food Access Programs Alyson Delano. “We typically see around 75 families at our walk-in pantry every week, and we are currently up to 150 families.”

The pantry is located at the North Attleboro Branch (in the childcare parking lot) and is available to anyone regardless of the town that they live in. It’s open on Wednesdays 12:30 - 2:00pm and 5:30 - 6:30pm, and on Thursdays 7:30 - 8:30am.  Address: 300 Elmwood St in North Attleborough.

“We are seeing people who have no food at home and are trying to source their next meal,” says Delano. 

Although SNAP benefits have been restored, longer-term consequences remain. Brief disruptions to food access can affect pregnant women and children. Research indicates that children who grow up with food insecurity are more likely to struggle in school, experience developmental delays, and face higher rates of anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges that can persist into adulthood.

For an update on local SNAP activity visit: www.mass.gov/SNAP.

To support the Franklin Food Pantry, individuals and organizations can:

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 [email protected], or by phone at (508) 528-3115.