The Franklin Food Pantry says they were able to distribute an unprecedented 473 holiday meals last month, a big hike from the 333 they did the year before. They say it is thanks to some software they were given by the Greater Boston Food Bank. Developed using feedback from Pantry clients, the program let them schedule appointments, communicate with clients, and monitor inventory so every client got a holiday meal consisting of a grocery store gift card and an extra bag to fill with their choice of food. That eliminated confusing pickup times and waitlists and the additional trip to The Pantry. In addition, last month anonymous food donations were up 93% from last year.
