FRANKLIN — Eight runners will lace up their shoes on Aug. 16 to represent the Franklin Food Pantry in the Falmouth Road Race, raising money to support an organization that says the need for its services continues to grow.
This year’s race marks the sixth consecutive year the Franklin Food Pantry has fielded a team in the iconic seven-mile race on Cape Cod. Board Chair Amber Baur, who is serving as team captain, will be participating for the fifth time.
“What started with five runners has continued to grow,” Baur said. “This year we have eight runners representing the Franklin Food Pantry.”
Joining Baur on this year’s team are Chris Cunniff, Michael Arthur, Kathy Cosgrove, Jack Coughlin, Leila Frankina, Ona Harrington and Jim McGillis. The runners include longtime pantry volunteers, former board members and community supporters, all raising funds to benefit the pantry’s mission.
Baur recalled that she was first recruited to run while volunteering at the pantry years ago.
“I said, ‘Isn’t that like seven miles?’” she laughed. “But with a training plan and support from our team, I was able to do it. For many of us, the goal is simply crossing that finish line on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry.”
While the Falmouth Road Race is known for its scenic coastal route, it is also known for its challenging hills and August heat. Baur said the months of training are worthwhile because every mile helps support families experiencing food insecurity.
The Franklin Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on donations, grants and community support to provide nutritious food, fresh produce and essential household items to local residents.
“Our goal is to provide nutritious food that allows families to use their resources for other necessities like housing, utilities, transportation and extracurricular activities for their children,” Baur said.
She noted that the demand for the pantry’s services has reached unprecedented levels.
“Just last quarter, visits to our pantry increased by more than 30 percent compared to the same period last year,” Baur said. “The amount of food we need has nearly doubled from just a few years ago.”
Each member of the Falmouth Road Race team has committed to raising $1,500, with the overall goal of raising $20,000 for the pantry before race day.
“We’re getting closer to that goal,” Baur said. “We’re hoping the continued generosity of the Franklin community will help us reach — and maybe even exceed — that $20,000 finish line.”
In addition to supporting the runners, community members can volunteer at the pantry, organize food or fund drives, or donate nonperishable food through the pantry’s Purple People Feeder donation bin. Financial contributions also allow the pantry to stretch donations further by purchasing food at discounted prices through the Greater Boston Food Bank and other partners.
As race day approaches, Baur said the annual event is about more than completing seven miles.
“It’s incredibly humbling to have people in our community willing to raise their hand, run on our behalf and help make a difference,” she said. “Every step they take helps support our neighbors who need it most.”
