My MyFM’s Marissa Santos – January is National Poverty Awareness Month, highlighting challenges in communities. In towns like Bellingham (5.1%) and Franklin (4.6%), residents in poverty are below the national average of 11.5%. Franklin Food Pantry reports a rise in food insecurity, evident in a 27% increase in visits from November 2022 to November 2023. The MetroWest Health Foundation’s 2023 Metrowest Community Health Assessment lists “Food Insecurity” and “Housing Insecurity and Homelessness” among the top five community concerns. Families face a dilemma—choosing between housing and groceries. The pantry not only addresses food insecurity but also connects users to resources for housing, education, and more. Mental health is a top concern, with the Franklin Food Pantry aiming to create a welcoming space and serve as a reference point for interconnected issues.
For more information on the Franklin Food Pantry, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.
Details on the Metrowest Health Foundation and its 2023 Metrowest Community Health Assessment are available at https://mwhealth.org.
