Food Bank Snap Shots

Black History Month

Our theme of this month is: Remarkable. As we at the Franklin Food Bank strive to provide a program with equity at the top of mind, we do so while recognizing the remarkable achievements of the Black community and individuals within. We are also reminded too often, most recently by the tragedy that happened in Memphis, of how far we still have to go. We are all stronger because of remarkable activists, some of whom have laid down their lives for the belief that we are all equal. As neighbors, we would do well to remember that we are all human beings walking around on this earth and should support each other as often as possible in our efforts to be remarkable.

Remarkable Things, Remarkable People

My name is Allie O'Brien and I am the proud Development Director for the Franklin Food Bank. It has been my joy and privilege to share our stories of successes and challenges with you since June of 2021 when we began this newsletter. Hopefully you have learned a little bit about what it's like to run a remarkably busy food bank during unprecedented and (say it with me) remarkable times.

If you have been following along with our story over the past three years, you know that remarkable things have happened to our food bank.

We have seen a remarkable overall increase in need in the community and a subsequently remarkable increase in awareness surrounding the work that we do. The spotlight beamed directly on food insecurity in this town, county, state and nation. To meet the moment and serve the need caused and/or exacerbated by the pandemic required a remarkable effort and even more so - remarkable people. Not only were we able to gather incredible support and fantastic supporters like you, we also were fortunate to have a growing team of remarkable staff and volunteers. It is because of all of the above that the Franklin Food Bank stands strong today, able to meet the next moment.

Last month, we shared with you our future plans for 2023 with regards to our program expansion. We have big plans and ambitious goals! To achieve them, we are going to need talented staff (as well as volunteers!) that can run program, innovate, analyze data, gather support, and tell our story. Good thing we are incredibly intentional about first gathering incredible staff.

Throughout 2022 we hired a new Executive Director, Program Director, Administrative Manager, and a new Warehouse Lead. You have gotten the chance to meet these remarkable people through staff spotlights and stories from our warehouse and program. Less than three weeks ago, we hired our newest team member, to whom I pass the torch of this newsletter - an External Affairs Manager. Her name is Dauna Jendrek and she, too, is remarkable. I think it's fitting that as we enter the month of February, partially dedicated to love, that I get to send one last love letter to you who have been so critical to our success. Thank you for reading and thank you for your support!

Love always,

Allie

Allie O'Brien

Development Director

Dauna Jendrek

External Affairs Manager

What's Going On?

Tour de Franklin Registration is OPEN!

Grab your helmets, we're not kidding! The Tour de Franklin is back with a bang - we've got a fresh new look but the same old fantabulous charity bike ride event.

The ride will take place on April 30th. Registration is open NOW! We hope you will join us for the ride!

Empty Bowls Save The Date!

Gorgeous handmade art made by local artists, delicious food from dozens of incredible restaurants - what could be better? Oh, ALSO helping out a great cause?

Empty Bowls is BACK!!! Except we are BACK BACK. That means the Doubletree Hotel, that means restaurants, that means tastings, that means an art sale - the whole banana! Is that a saying?

Registration opens on February 10th and Empty Bowls will take place on March 26th! STAY TUNED for tickets, sponsorship and donations!

February's Community Distribution Day

Our next community food distribution is Wednesday, February 1st from 11 a.m. until supplies last at the Community Relations Bureau at 935 Hamilton Street.

Let's be friends!

Staying connected is more important than ever.

If you don't already, please follow us on Facebook (@FranklinFoodBank224) and Linkedin AND now we have a Tik Tok too!

Ambassador's Program

Our Ambassadors are the lifeblood of the Franklin Food Bank. This sustaining program offers the stability we need to be able to dream up innovative programming such as Client Choice, Community Distribution, and more! For as little as $10 each month, you could join too!

Become an Ambassador

We're here for you...

If you or someone you know in Franklin Township is in need of food - please don't hesitate to reach out to us. You will find friendly faces and caring people ready to serve your needs in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

Just call us - anytime, day or night - and record a message with your information and needs. We'll handle the rest.

732-246-0009

Franklin Food Bank: Our Client Choice Program

Not sure how it works? Watch this video!

Franklin Food Bank| Our Website