Pantry
Recognized for Making an Impact on Community
The Franklin Food Pantry is getting noticed
for its efforts to move beyond immediate hunger relief by addressing the root
causes of hunger and promoting better nutritional health. The Pantry has
received two recognition awards from area organizations: the Red Triangle Award from the Hockomock
Area YMCA, and the Community Impact
Award from the United Way of Tri-County.
Both organizations recently applauded the Franklin non-profit for going
above and beyond in serving the Franklin community, and for its strong impact
on the lives of the nearly 600 families it serves.
The Red Triangle Award recognizes the Pantry for its “steadfast
dedication and partnership with the Hockomock Area YMCA to meet the changing
needs of our community.” Through a partnership with the Hockomock Y, the Pantry
created a Healthy Futures Shelf that offers clients access to nutritious food. Nutrition
information is posted with food products so that clients can make informed
choices to fit their special dietary needs, such as low fat, high protein or
gluten-free. In addition, the Pantry works with the YMCA to offer Cooking
Matters classes that educate families how to manage their food budgets and
prepare healthy meals.
“Working with the Hockomock Area YMCA and Stop & Shop, we began to
take preventative measures to help combat high blood pressure, diabetes and
obesity,” said Erin Lynch, Franklin Food Pantry executive director. “As part of
the Y’s Healthy Futures Initiative, we help our clients make healthier food
choices and offer them access to more nutritious food, such as fresh produce
and high protein items like chicken.”
The Community Impact Award is given to United Way of Tri-County (UWTC)
Community Partners that have changed the lives of the people they serve. The
award states that the Franklin Food Pantry, with resources from the UWTC,
changed lives by “effectively and innovatively delivering a program that
addresses root causes within the areas of Education, Health, Financial
Stability or Basic Human Needs.”
Lynch said that thanks to the generous support from organizations such
as the United Way of Tri-County and the Hockomock Area YMCA, the Pantry was
able to offer programs to empower community members to become more
self-sufficient through resources and education. Examples include Cooking
Matters which teaches families how to shop smarter and cook delicious,
affordable meals; and a Healthy Futures Market that offers fresh produce weekly
from June to October. The high cost of fresh fruits and vegetables can be a
barrier to wholesome nutrition for many families.
“The money we receive through grants, as well as individual and
corporate donations, allows us to go beyond just getting food to people,” said
Lynch. “We are able to offer the kind of support and education that can impact
our clients for a lifetime.”
Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry, is presented
with the Red Triangle Award from the Hockomock Area YMCA which recognized the
Pantry for its efforts to meet the changing needs of the community. The award
was presented by (left to right) Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area
YMCA; Bill Chouinard, Bernon Family Branch Board of Managers chairman; and
Brian Earley, newly-elected chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hockomock
Area YMCA. (Photo courtesy of the Hockomock Area YMCA)
Erin Lynch is shown here with the Pantry's Community Impact Award given by the United Way of Tri-County.
