Food Bank

A food drive to benefit the Franklin Food Bank is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5 at Stop & Shop, 3333 Route 27, In Franklin Park. The drive is sponsored by the Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This event underscores the Sorority’s commitment to public service and its mission to foster the …

The Franklin Food Bank’s 35th Annual Tour de Franklin Charity Bike Ride is set for April 28 at Franklin High School. The Tour de Franklin is the Franklin Food Bank’s largest annual fundraising event, attracting up to 800 cyclists to provide critical funding for the Food Bank’s operations. It has also grown into a Spring tradition in Franklin Township, when …

A LOT TO SMILE ABOUT – Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith said he was “humbled” when notified that the organization was awarded a $1 million grant (File photo.) A $1 million grant to the Franklin Food Bank from a foundation founded by MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of billionaire Jeff Bezos, will be put toward a new, larger facility, …

GIVING THANKS – Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith thanks those in attendance at the inaugural “Love They Neighbor” fundraiser, sponsored by The Marigold catering hall. The Marigold catering hall was the scene February 13 of a special fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank. The “Love They Neighbor” event was sponsored by the catering hall itself, and probably won’t …

A HELPING HAND – Attending the presentation of ceremonial checks were (Left to Right) Lois Bennett of Feeding Hands, Somerset Patriots President/GM Patrick McVerry, Maria Franzoso of My Neighbors Pantry at Zaraphath Church, Somerset Patriots Co-Chairman Josh Kalafer, County Commissioner Doug Singleterry, Somerset Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer, Paula Simpkins of the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, and Derek Smith …

GEARING UP – Riders get ready to embark on the 34th annual Tour de Franklin charity ride in April, 2023. (File Photo.) The 35th Annual Tour de Franklin Charity Bike Ride benefiting the Franklin Food Bank is set for April 28 at the Franklin High School. The Tour de Franklin is the Franklin Food Bank’s largest annual fundraising event and …

MAN OF THE YEAR – Derek Smith took over the reins of the Franklin Food Bank in mid-2022. “Public servant” is usually a moniker reserved for elected officials. But a person doesn’t necessarily have to win an election to serve the public, as exemplified by the Franklin Food Bank’s Executive Director, Derek Smith, who the Franklin Reporter & Advocate is …

UP, UP, AND AWAY – Stephen White of COSI uses a model rocket to make a point during one of his presentations to students at Pine Grove Manor School on March 31. Students at Pine Grove Manor Elementary School were the beneficiaries March 31 of a special partnership between the Franklin Food Bank and an Ohio-based science museum. The museum, …

BOWL’D OVER – Attendees were able to pick their own bowls, and then take them around to sampe the various restaurants’ fare. The fifth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the Franklin Food Bank returned to its original home and with its original grandeur on March 26. The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel on Atrium Drive as it was …