On behalf of the Staff, our Volunteers, the Board of Trustees and the clients of the Franklin Food Bank - we are so thankful to you that we are in a position to help local families in need of food. We want to share some things with you.

The events of the past two years have changed our non-profit in fundamental ways. Together, we have experienced perhaps the darkest days in our short 46 year history. We were isolated from our volunteers, from the faces of our clients, from our friends, even from each other, as the staff of the food bank split for safety and for backup - half at home, half on-site.

In the fray, out of necessity, our creativity blossomed. We paved new pathways to food sources. We formed new partnerships to keep the flow of fresh foods steady. Solutions we devised to help in one area created new problems to solve in another area. At every unexpected turn, we pivoted with grace. Without the luxury of time to waste crying about why things were the way they were (or are the way they are) we turned towards each other and asked "ok guys, what do we do now?"

Through all of what's happened, we have (accidentally?) emerged as one of the largest food pantries within an enormous radius. Many pop-up food banks opened and closed as the panic gradually subsided. Others were destroyed by Ida. Others closed at least once due to an outbreak of the virus or staff shortages. Still more shut their doors due to a lack of food during the supply chain disruption.

Not us, though. Maybe out of stubbornness or grit - or perhaps out of sheer luck, or a combination of those things - we never closed our doors on this community. Not for one day of service throughout the entire pandemic. Even when it meant that we had to do everything ourselves with just six on-site. It was the one thing we simply couldn't do: say "sorry, Franklin, we can't help you."

We're still as resolved as we ever were. Not just to stay open - that's the bare minimum. But to continue to innovate, to solve problems (and create new ones!) As the sun rises on 2022, we are determined to continue providing hope for local families in need of a safety net. We do so FULLY aware of the fact that you are our safety net. That's just another reason to make the biggest impact we possibly can - to make you proud.

See you out there.