Inequality for all

Robert Reich and Jon Stewart discuss "Inequality for all" in this video clip (7 mins)

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,The Daily Show on Facebook

For the opening dates of the Inequality for All movie visit their webpage
http://inequalityforall.com/theaters-opening-dates/

For additional facts and figures behind the issue we all face, visit this link
http://inequalityforall.com/#get-the-facts

"the Paintball Challenge surprises some people"

The 3rd Annual Fight Hunger Paintball Challenge will be held on Saturday. Town Councilor Glenn Jones has organized the event and additional details are available in this posting by the Milford Daily News.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fox 4, 159 Milford St., will donate $5 from every admission fee to the Franklin Food Pantry. Paintballers that day are also encouraged to bring non-perishable items and dry goods, along with their rifles and extra layers of clothing. 

"It’s a unique opportunity to raise awareness and necessary funds for the pantry," said organizer Glenn Jones, who started paintballing at 17. 

...

You don’t usually think of paintball as being part of a traditional fundraiser, but I think that’s what makes this event so appealing," Lynch, who has never participated in paintball, said. "The community gets pressed for donations all year, and it’s really nice to have something different for them to participate in." 

And the event comes as the pantry pivots into a crucial season, according to Lynch.
"This is a great time of year for us to have fundraisers, because the summer really depletes our shelves," she said. "This month — what we raise — will help bridge the gap between the emptiness of summer and when our big donations come in during the holidays."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868840906/Annual-Paintball-Challenge-to-benefit-food-pantry-is-Saturday-in-Franklin#ixzz2fQLXqNij

For more information about the Food Pantry you can visit and donate securely online at
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

New Census Data: Incomes Still Below Pre-Recession Level, Poverty Still Above

Why the Franklin Food Pantry needs your help. The economy is not in great shape. Our neighbors are not all working or earning an income sufficient to take care of their needs.

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Incomes Still Below Pre-Recession Level, Poverty Still Above New information released by the Census Bureau today shows that in the U.S., median household income has fallen 8.3 percent since 2007, the year before the recession began. There was essentially no change in median incomes between 2011 and 2012, meaning that while incomes have not started to rebound, they did not decline further. Also included in the Census data was information about poverty and health insurance coverage in the U.S. Between 2011 and 2012, the percentage of people lacking health insurance fell slightly to 15.4%. That still leaves 48 million uninsured. Across the country, more than 1 in every 5 children lives below the poverty line. 46.5 million people live in poverty. That's a poverty rate of 15.0 percent, which is effectively unchanged from last year but still significantly higher than the pre-recession rate of 12.5 percent. The data in today's release provide a useful overview of poverty, income, and health coverage on the national level. Thursday (9/19) the Census Bureau will release more reliable state-level data as part of the American Community Survey. At that time, MassBudget will provide fuller analysis of the Massachusetts data for income, poverty, child poverty, health insurance, and health insurance coverage for children. The full Census Bureau report is available on their website. Complete analysis of the national trends can be found at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

"I'm a college graduate who had to go on food stamps"

The past year since I left graduate school has pretty much been: job application, job application, job application, interview, rejection, another job application, temp work, job application, another temp job, more job applications. For nearly eight months, I was unable to secure opportunities that weren't sporadic or temporary, making it difficult to pay rent and buy food. I remember the night I decided to apply for food stamps: I put my hand into my change jar – the one I used to casually toss coins into so I wouldn't have to carry them around in my pockets – and I felt the bottom of the jar. I was taking my final quarters, dimes and nickels to a fast food restaurant, hoping I had enough for a burger and fries. 

With Congress now back in session, House Republicans – with Eric Cantor leading the charge – are pushing hard for more than $40bn in cuts to food stamps (officially dubbed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "Snap"). If they get what they want, 4-6 million Americans could lose benefits.

Read the full article in The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/15/food-stamp-republican-cuts-stigma

Annual "Fight Hunger" Paintball Challenge - 2013

Where: FOX 4 Paintball Field - 159 Milford Street, Upton, MA 01568

Email: Dave Painter (dave@fox4paintball.com)

Phone: 508-529-FOX4 (3694)

When: Saturday, September, 21^st 2013

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm

RAIN OR SHINE!

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!

A raffle for a Paintball rifle

A portion of the admission price will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry.

We will be taking contributions of Non-Perishable items and Dry Goods the day of the event.

Donations can also be made directly to the drop off box at:

Franklin Food Pantry
43 West Central Street
P.O. Box 116
Franklin, MA 02038-0116
Telephone: 508-528-3115

The Franklin Food Pantry takes stock, gives thanks and reflects on its role as a “piece of the puzzle”

Each year the Franklin Food Pantry assesses its accomplishments and how it can better serve the needs of the community. The Pantry has been taking steps toward a three year plan of action that encompasses clarifying its mission and role, and establishing short and long-term priorities. Over the next three years, Franklin Food Pantry hopes to achieve a solid infrastructure including expanded Board and Committee membership; enhanced client services and outreach; a first annual community dinner, and development for future facility improvements.

Franklinfoodpantry.org/

The Franklin Food Pantry currently provides service to approximately 600 households; which translate to 1590 neighbors, 35% of whom are children. Many of these households have at least one working adult but are still unable to make ends meet. Linda Sottile, Director of Operations, stated that in Fiscal Year 2012, the Pantry distributed 186,000 pounds of food, which is an increase of 35,000 pounds over last year. The Pantry has also seen a 43% increase in clients returning weekly for bread and produce. To help meet the steadily rising need for services, the Board of Directors brought on Erin Lynch to serve as Director of Development. Ms. Lynch has a strong background in nonprofit leadership and community building, which aligns with the Pantry’s goal to create a broad network of resources collaborating on sustainable solutions.

Together the staff and board have used the last six months to evaluate the Pantry’s image, message and goals for the future. First on the list was to design a logo symbolizing its philosophy and role in the community. With the expertise of Ian Kabat, Director at the Franklin Art Center, the Pantry found their new logo in the image of a circular shaped puzzle made up of four pieces: people connected and unified in a common purpose. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, Ms. Lynch said “The decision to break away from traditional images associated with food pantries, such as corn husks or loaves of bread, was intentional to relay the larger message that the Pantry is a collaboration of all residents to nourish each other in body, mind and spirit. While we are here to fill a significant need, we are only a piece of the total puzzle.”

“We are all in this together,” states Steve Sherlock, Franklin Food Pantry’s Board President. “There are many factors and circumstances that create food-insecurity. We feel well suited to take the lead with other Franklin agencies and organizations to make available the necessary resources for those who can benefit from them.” The primary role of the Pantry will continue to be to provide immediate hunger relief but it will also play a pivotal role in bringing the community together as one.

Building the infrastructure necessary to do the work is essential. “We depend on the support of our community: the dedicated volunteers, donors, corporate partners, schools, churches and all of our neighbors to reach our goals. Food, non-food and financial donations are greatly appreciated at all times throughout the year. We are thankful for the continued support and efforts of every individual and group that has paved the way to nutrition and steady meals for our community,” said Lynch. Fundraising events are planned to stock the shelves, drive awareness and engage the community in fun ways, including a Fight Hunger Paintball Challenge on September 21st at Fox 4 Paintball in Upton. To RSVP please contact Glenn Jones at gf_jones@verizon.net or 508-439-7011.

Here are some ways folks can help and raise awareness:

September is Hunger Action Month
Be part of the puzzle. Hunger Action Month is sponsored by Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks in America working together to end hunger. Stand up and be counted….on! Here are ways to easily raise awareness and support for the Franklin Food Pantry and local food banks everywhere: 

Volunteer:Become a volunteer of The Franklin Food Pantry during September and all year long. Complete a volunteer sign-up form indicating your interests online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org/volunteer. Then tell your family and friends that you made a difference on Facebook or Twitter. Lend your profile picture to Hunger Action Month. For everything orange, visit: http://feedingamerica.org. 

Take the SNAP Challenge:Eat on just $4.50 a day. Shop for your meals with the daily average per person benefit provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) to get a sense of some of the challenges faced by those struggling to put food on the table. Budget $4.50 for the day and share your experience with family and friends to raise awareness of the importance of this critical nutrition program.

The Franklin Food Pantry looks forward to working with its neighbors and friends toward a healthier, stronger community for all. For more information on how you can be a piece of the puzzle, please contact: Erin Lynch, Director of Development at erin@franklinfoodpantry.org or at 508-528-3115; or visit us at www.franklinfoodpantry.org.


About The Franklin Food Pantry
Established in 1987, the mission of the Franklin Food Pantry is to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions, by empowering the community through resources, education and collaboration. It is part of the Greater Boston Food Bank network and depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners and the community at large. The Franklin Food Pantry is located at 43 West Central Street, Route 140 and can accept donations during business hours, Tuesday - Friday, 9am -1pm. Non-perishables may also be dropped off after hours in the bin by the front door, or monetary donations may be mailed to Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin MA 02038. For more information, visit us at franklinfoodpantry.org, become a fan on Facebook, or call us at 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization FEIN # 04-3272663.

Wonderful wine and friends

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits was the gracious host for the Food Pantry Wine Tasting event on Thursday evening.

Development Director Erin Lynch and Food Pantry Treasurer Jim Roche were among the welcoming committee for the more than 80 guests.

Development Director Erin Lynch and Food Pantry Treasurer Jim Roche

Whole Foods Bellingham provided some delicious fruit, cheese and crackers for snacking between tastes.

Whole Foods Bellingham

Painted Lady Flowers donated this colorful bouquet for the raffle. It was paired with a bottle of wine from Pour Richard's.

Painted Lady Flowers

Of course, there was a crowd gathered around to taste the samples

wine tasting choices

There was a selection of white and red wines to sample from. A portion of the purchases during the evening will go to the Food Pantry.

selection of reds and whites for the tasting

While wine was featured for tasting on this night, Pour Richard's has other tasting events. "Don't drink ordinary" is a worthy motto for this business!

the wine racks to showcase the  selections

For additional info on Pour Richard's visit their website http://pourrichardswine.com/
and visit their location at  14 Grove St, Franklin, MA

Thank you for coming out to enjoy a drink, conversation and help a good cause!

"I don’t really see it getting better"

The Milford Daily News reports on the increasing demands seen by MetroWest area food pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry was among those quoted:

At the Franklin Food Pantry, Director of Development Erin Lynch said the pantry distributed 186,000 pounds of food in its most recent fiscal year, up 24 percent from the prior fiscal year. Lynch, like other pantry leaders, noticed many clients have jobs but are still unable to afford food amid rising costs of living and inadequate pay. 

"I think it takes along time for families to feel the impact, even if the economy is getting better" Lynch said. "We really haven’t seen evidence on our end yet (of improvements)." 

Lynch said the pantry hopes in the next year to work with other community groups to better understand what causes food insecurity and how to improve the situation without just distributing more and more food. Items they could look at is improving job skill training resources, she said.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1155160194/MetroWest-and-Milford-area-food-pantries-report-growing-demand#ixzz2eIgDljOs

What can you do to help the Food Pantry?One easy way is to buy a ticket to our fund raising wine tasting event coming up Thursday, Sep 12. Tickets are available online at http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ or at the Food Pantry (in the Roackland Trust parking lot downtown Franklin).