Food Bank

FOOD BANK POETRY SLAM – Derek Smith, executive director of the Franklin Food Bank, speaks during the 2026 “Rising Tides of Hunger” poetry contest finals, June 16 at Franklin Middle School – Sampson G. Smith campus. More than a dozen students from across the school district won prizes recently in the second annual Rising Tides of Hunger Poetry Contest, sponsored …

TEACHING THE CHILDREN – Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith speaks to a group of students from the Sadiq School during a tour of the food bank headquarters. Students from the Sadiq School on Cedar Grove Avenue donated hundreds of dollars to the Franklin Food Bank on June 17, money that they earned by selling hand-made items. Don’t Miss …

EATING FOR GOOD – Donors gathered at the Double Tree Hotel on Atrium Drive May 31 for the 8th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. The Franklin Food Bank celebrated the 8th annual Empty Bowl fundraising event on May 31, with officials announcing a $14 million capital campaign to build a larger facility even as food insecurity …

CALL FOR ACTION – Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell speaks April 18 at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens’ Health Equity Symposium. New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell on April 18 called on faith communities across the state to move beyond awareness and into action on health equity, telling a symposium audience at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens that …

The Township Council opened its April 14 meeting with a flurry of commendations and proclamations, recognizing a local service club’s donation to the Franklin Food Bank, celebrating the township’s business community, and designating April as the official month for multiple awareness and heritage causes. From food security to “Dark Skies,” the evening’s recognitions painted a portrait of a community that …

CORNERSTONE DONATION – Pastor Sung No of Praise Presbyterian Church presents Derek Smith, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Bank, with a $50,000 donation. (Photo: Franklin Food Bank.) Praise Presbyterian Church of Cedar Grove Lane recently donated $50,000 to the Franklin Food Bank’s “Franklin Cares Capital Campaign.” The donation is considered a cornerstone donation in the Food bank’s campaign to …

FOOD GIVEAWAY – Volunteers wait for the next cars to come in the March 31 food distribution at Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street Campus. A large-scale food distribution, set to serve up to 500 families, was held March 31 at the Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street campus. Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings …

The Franklin Township Police Department is partnering with Goya Foods and several civic organizations March 31 in a large-scale food giveaway to as many as 500 families in need. The event is set to take place from 4-6 p.m. at Franklin Middle School – Hamilton Street Campus, 415 Francis Street. Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township …

LENDING A HAND – Elizabeth Avenue School students and staff pose with Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith after the students presented Smith with a $650 donation. Elizabeth Avenue School students and staff were all smiles December 17 as they continued their tradition of helping the Franklin Food Bank with a $650 contribution. The ceremonial check was presented in …

The Franklin Food Bank is one of 14 food assistance organizations receiving a total of $1 million from RWJBarnabas Health. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County and Elijah’s Promise of New Brunswick are also among the organizations receiving grants. Don’t Miss Out! No other media outlet covering Franklin Township brings you the depth of information presented by the Franklin …