"Balance is the key"

Finance Committee Chairman James Roche, who for more than a decade has played an integral part in shaping the town’s annual budget, has decided not to seek reappointment. 

Roche, however, isn't going far, taking on a new role as treasurer for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

"I think I can help them put some systems in place and take (the pantry) further down the path," he said. "I’m still serving the town, but just in a different capacity. I think it’s important that people give back to the community. I’m just changing the venue."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x986308105/Longtime-Franklin-FinCom-Chairman-Roche-won-t-seek-reappointment#ixzz2XJYJ1d16

Note: As Chairman of the Board, the Franklin Food Pantry is extremely grateful for Jim's help.

"just $31.50 a week, $4.50 a day, or $1.50 a meal"

Secretary John Polanowicz kicked off the SNAP Challenge this week with a shopping trip at Save-A-Lot in Springfield to highlight the importance of this benefit as a front line defense against hunger. The Secretary is joining his family, Congressman James McGovern, Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Stacey Monahan, Senator Jamie Eldridge and participants across the country in taking the challenge from June 13-19. Participants must live on a total food budget of $31.50 for the week, or the average, per-person federal SNAP benefit. 

“While living on a food stamp budget for just a week cannot come close to the struggles encountered by low income families week after week, and month after month, it does provide those who take the challenge with a new perspective and greater understanding,” said Secretary Polanowicz.

Read more about the SNAP Challenge here
http://hhs.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2013/06/hhs-secretary-polanowicz-and-commissioner-monahan-kick-off-the-snap-challenge-.html

The Franklin Food Pantry is able to help those in our community receiving SNAP by supplementing with other food and non-food items. Your contributions help make this happen. Whether you contribute time (by volunteering), goods (food and non-food items) or money, it goes to help your neighbors.

Rockland Trust donates $43K to Franklin Food Pantry

Yes, relationships matter! Thanks to Rockland Trust this provides the space we operate from to serve the Franklin community.

Rockland Trust this week announced its continued support of the Franklin Food Pantry with a $43,200 donation to renew the pantry’s rent-free lease for the fifth consecutive year. The food pantry provides between 2,600 and 3,200 pounds of food to area residents each week. In addition to providing the Franklin Food Pantry with rent-free space, Rockland Trust recently concluded a month-long food drive throughout its entire service area in Massachusetts, including its new Metro North communities and Greater Providence. As part of the food drive, which ran throughout April, the bank also donated more than $13,750 to local food banks.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/business/x1391862985/Business-Digest-for-June-8-2013#ixzz2VjwiQM00