We recognize that while families in Franklin Township are struggling, some of our closest neighboring towns experience the same issues associated with wealth disparity.

Not only does New Jersey rank 11th in the country for income inequality overall but the state has some of the starkest racial wealth gaps in the country – the median net worth for white families is $352,000 but only $6,100 or $7,300 for Black and LatinX families, respectively, according to a recent study from Princeton University.

To the Franklin Food Bank this means we need to address general food insecurity – no questions asked. Every month, we run a drive-thru distribution program called Community Distribution, where we distribute up to 1,000 boxes of produce as well as dry staple goods and/or beverages when available.

This program is run in partnership with the Franklin Township Police Department’s Community Relations Bureau and with volunteers from the YMCA of Somerset County. There are no requirements, including residency, to participate in this monthly program.

Data Point: Our Community Distribution event sees 300 cars and 100 walking guests with 26,000lbs of food distributed at each event.

We run this program every first Wednesday of each month, come on down and drive-thru!