Beyond Borders

The Impact Network

While our name is local, our reach is regional. Through Beyond Borders, we act as a vital supply hub for a network of smaller soup kitchens, churches, and food pantries across the state. By donating over 1 million pounds of food to organizations operating in 15 New Jersey cities, we have extended our support to 40,000 families outside Franklin’s borders, ensuring that no neighborhood is left behind in the fight against hunger.

The Franklin Food Bank believes that hunger doesn’t stop at city lines. As a regional hub, we fill a critical gap in the tri-county area, extending our logistics and resources to support the broader food security infrastructure of our neighboring communities.

Our Impact by the Numbers

  • 4,000 Additional Families: Every month, we provide food for four thousand families through our partner network.
  • 3 Counties Served: We act as a central distribution point for local nonprofits across the region.
  • 1 Mission: Ensuring that no community is left behind, regardless of their proximity to a major food source.

Beyond Borders allows the Franklin Food Bank to support a select number of local nonprofit organizations that are serving the specific food needs of their own communities. By acting as a regional provider, we empower these local partners to focus on what they do best: direct community service.

Because of our infrastructure and the Beyond Borders program, we are able to say “yes” to large-scale, high-volume donations that smaller organizations simply wouldn’t be able to move or store.

An Epic Example: During the height of the pandemic, we were offered a massive donation of 26 pallets of paper towels. Because of our capacity as a hub, we were able to accept that delivery and distribute it across the region to families who were struggling to find basic household essentials.

To maintain a safe and efficient network, we work closely with our Beyond Borders partners through a structured process:

  • Scheduled Appointments: All partners must coordinate directly with Food Bank staff to schedule their specific pickup or delivery appointments.

  • Site Visits: To ensure program integrity and food safety, Food Bank staff perform site visits at partner locations throughout the year.

We are currently accepting inquiries from 501(c)(3) organizations within the tri-county area. Organizations must demonstrate a consistent need and the ability to maintain food safety standards. To begin the inquiry process, please contact our Program Director, Keli Watkins.

Beyond Borders

Filling the Gap as a Tri-County Regional Hub

The Franklin Food Bank believes that hunger doesn’t stop at city lines. As a regional hub, we fill a critical gap in the tri-county area, extending our logistics and resources to support the broader food security infrastructure of our neighboring communities.

Our Impact by the Numbers

  • 4,000 Additional Families: Every month, we provide food for four thousand families through our partner network.
  • 3 Counties Served: We act as a central distribution point for local nonprofits across the region.
  • 1 Mission: Ensuring that no community is left behind, regardless of their proximity to a major food source.

Supporting Local Nonprofits

Beyond Borders allows the Franklin Food Bank to support a select number of local nonprofit organizations that are serving the specific food needs of their own communities. By acting as a regional provider, we empower these local partners to focus on what they do best: direct community service.

The Power of “Yes”

Because of our infrastructure and the Beyond Borders program, we are able to say “yes” to large-scale, high-volume donations that smaller organizations simply wouldn’t be able to move or store.

An Epic Example: During the height of the pandemic, we were offered a massive donation of 26 pallets of paper towels. Because of our capacity as a hub, we were able to accept that delivery and distribute it across the region to families who were struggling to find basic household essentials.

How the Partnership Works

To maintain a safe and efficient network, we work closely with our Beyond Borders partners through a structured process:

  • Scheduled Appointments: All partners must coordinate directly with Food Bank staff to schedule their specific pickup or delivery appointments.
  • Site Visits: To ensure program integrity and food safety, Food Bank staff perform site visits at partner locations throughout the year.

Become a Partner

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We are currently accepting inquiries from 501(c)(3) organizations within the tri-county area. Organizations must demonstrate a consistent need and the ability to maintain food safety standards. To begin the inquiry process, please [link to form/email address].

Our Partners