In 2022, we formalized this program, calling it Beyond Borders. We expected to close the year having helped 25 agencies – in the end, we helped over 40. The Franklin Food Bank has supported smaller agencies, pantries, soup kitchens and food serving non-profit organizations for many years.

The Covid-19 pandemic inspired many pop-up food pantries to briefly appear, in order to serve the additional food needs of the community. When they closed as planned, their absence created a void in available services. Other food pantries were severely affected or devastated by Hurricane Ida. It is vital to the overall health of the community that people are able to access food no matter where they are from.

Beyond Borders helps us to broaden our reach and deepen our impact perhaps more than any other program run by our organization – it is only through these types of strategic partnerships that our work be felt far beyond the borders of Franklin Township.