Dearest Neighbors,

At Franklin Food Bank we serve over 70 neighboring households per day. Throughout this spring season, we're inviting you to get to know them.

Have you ever thought about every neighbor whom you are living alongside? Well, I have. I've pondered about the intricacies of being a neighbor to people on my street, to the parent in the school yard, the bagel shop owner around the corner, the high school basketball star drafted in the WNBA (Shoutout to Diamond Miller!), the pharmacist, CFO, assistant teacher, pre-k student on the spectrum, soccer referee, hiking buddy, gymnastics coach, and so many more neighbors.

We're all part of this intricate story that connects us, as we live our individual lives. I encourage you to read about our recent partner event with neighborhood school, Pine Grove Manor Elementary. Pine Grove and the Franklin Food Bank both reside in income tracts 532 and 533. The median household income in these areas are no more than $50,000 a year. These neighbors are majority of our monthly market guests, and their kids are fed through the stocked shelves.

This past month we collaborated with COSI, the Center of Science and Industry and Principal Genesi Miles of Pine Grove. Together, a plan was devised for COSI to host their interactive science assembly the week before spring break. The importance of the timing was intentional - when children who live at, or below the poverty line have days off from school, they can lose out on two meals per day which are typically provided through our public schools. Alongside the amazing team at Pine Grove, with our staff, and some special volunteers - we supplied over 400 students and their families with science learning kits, boxes of non-perishables, snacks, and fresh produce!

Teacher, Denise DiMaria shared, "[It was a] Wonderful assembly and engaging for the children. They loved it!!" Principal Miles said, "PGM had a busy day making sure our minds and bodies will be well nourished over spring break!" Both Principal Miles and Executive Director Smith are planning for future ways to partner as neighbors to provide access to full minds and full bellies. More neighbors attended including, Kate Barry of the Somerset County Commissioners Office, and Chamber of Commerce President Nick DiMeglio both hung around to watch Councilman Ram participate with children in the experiments alongside Deputy Director of Recreation, Windy White! Check out the full album here.

During the COSI-Pine Grove-Food Bank preparation, we had two individuals join our staff. We couldn't have done it without them, and both are local neighbors of the Franklin Food Bank! They are our neighbors, living with our neighbors, partnering, interpreting (Si, ustedes hablan Español!), and providing support services to our neighbors.

Cassie Smith

Volunteer Coordinator

Cassie Smith and her family have lived in Franklin Township since 2005. She has volunteered with the food bank for years. She and her husband have loved living in town, raising their children in the gorgeous nature of Franklin.

Yadira has lived in greater Somerset County since she was 5 years old. She lived in Franklin Township briefly which connected her to the food bank. She loved the community so much that she wanted to join the team!

Yadira Paz

Client Services Assistant

You see? We're all connected as neighbors. We are the child on the spectrum watching the science assembly, the dad pulling up for pickup and receiving a box of groceries for over spring break, and the grandmother shopping for the household at our market.



We are one another's neighbor.

Get ready to meet more this season!

What's Goin' On?

Want to relive the day or add your pics? View the album here.

DRIVE THRU GROCERIES

Wednesday, May 3rd @ 11am

This is our curbside pickup event where ALL are welcome with dignity and respect.

*It is not required for you to live in Franklin Township