Beyond Food

Our Holistic Approach

When a family is struggling with food insecurity, they are almost certainly navigating a web of other challenges like rising healthcare costs, housing instability, and financial barriers. At Franklin Food Bank, we address these interconnected hurdles through a complete care ecosystem that moves beyond just providing groceries. By integrating on-site health screenings, financial literacy workshops, and personalized case management directly into our market, we provide the comprehensive support needed to build long-term stability. 

Empowering Our Community Through Nutrition

Our Impact: A Journey to Wellness

At the Franklin Food Bank, we believe food is medicine and in the power of education, community, and fresh ingredients.

About the Workshop: Market to Classroom

The Flavor Workshop is an immersive educational experience designed to make healthy living accessible, affordable, and delicious.

What to Expect:

  • Bilingual Education: Our discussions are held in both English and Spanish, ensuring every neighbor can participate fully. Facilitators include Rutgers Cooperative Extensions and local chef nutritionists.
  • Practical Topics: We dive deep into essential health topics, ranging from how to accurately read a nutrition label to identifying the best breakfast options for managing Type II Diabetes.
  • Hands-on Cooking: This isn’t just a lecture! Participants are encouraged to jump in and cook!
  • Community Conversation: We value your voice. Every session includes time for participants to share their own thoughts, ideas, and family recipes.

Every Participant Leaves Prepared

We make sure you have the tools to bring the workshop home. Every attendee receives a bag of fresh produce and materials including recipes and information sheets. 

Join Our Next Session

Ready to take control of your health? Space is limited, and pre-registration is encouraged.

Each participant goes home with one of our nourishing recipes made with care from the Franklin Food Bank team! Our goal is to transform everyday pantry staples and fresh seasonal produce into flavorful dishes that support both wellness and community. 

Stay tuned for our recipe library, coming soon!

Our team helps eligible households apply for and maintain SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, providing ongoing support to ensure families get the resources they qualify for.
 
In partnership with Robert Wood Johnson, Somerset County Department of Health and Community Food Bank of NJ, we welcome bilingual Spanish Speaking experts to help walk clients through the nebulous process of applying for government assistance.
 
Participants also are automatically eligible for follow-up appointments including phone calls to make sure everything is processed correctly and to answer any and all questions that linger after their initial intake.

Enrollment Dates

We offer free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, A1c, and other health indicators that often accompany the struggles of underserved communities. These preventative services help our neighbors stay healthy and catch potential issues early. Our partners in this work are local healthcare providers, including Zufall Health, St. Peters, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Somerset County Department of Health.
 

At the Franklin Food Bank, we understand that true wellness requires more than just a healthy meal—it requires a foundation of financial security.

What We Cover: Master Your Money

Our bilingual financial sessions are designed to be practical, approachable, and judgment-free. Whether you are looking to get out of debt or save for the future, we cover the essentials:

  • Smart Budgeting: Learn how to track spending and make your paycheck go further.
  • Credit Building & Repair: Understand how credit scores work and how to improve yours to unlock better housing and loan opportunities.
  • Banking Basics: Navigating the world of checking and savings accounts to keep your money safe.
  • Debt Management: Strategies for tackling loans and high-interest debt effectively.
  • Saving for the Future: Tips for building an emergency fund, even on a tight budget.

These workshops occur monthly, following our Flavor Workshop in a dual program. Join Us for the Next “Health and Wealth” Friday

Our sessions are open to all community members. No prior financial knowledge is required, and we encourage open questions in a supportive environment.

Meet with our social worker to create a plan that is right for you and your family. We can help you navigate assistance with rent, utilities, childcare, mental health and other challenges you may be facing.

One-Stop Career Services

Veterans Assistance

Substance Abuse Prevention

Maternity Support

ESL Referrals

Something missing? Let us know what you’d like to see.

Partners