Franklin County Community Meals Program

"Who gives himself with his alms feeds three,—
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me."

                   … James Russell Lowell

The Franklin County Community Meals Program will have to increase its food budget at least 30 percent in 2008 to satisfy the growing number of diners, the rising cost of food, and the more limited availability of government foods, according to board member Phyllis Jeswald.

The charity has begun its traditional holiday fundraiser, Share the Bounty with the County. Diners are invited through December to make donations in specially marked envelopes at participating restaurants.

All contributions will help to provide meals five evenings each week in Greenfield, Turners Falls, and Orange and to provide food to individuals and families through the Orange Food Pantry. Last year, the program served 18,155 free meals across the county, and gave away enough food and household supplies to feed 8,254 people at the Pantry. This year, between the meal sites and the Pantry, the program expects to serve over 2,000 more people than last year.

Greenfield area

In the Greenfield area, restaurants participating in the campaign include long-time supporters The People's Pint, Famous Bill's, Four Leaf Clover, Brad's Place, and Denny's Pantry, as well as a newcomer, the Mohawk Diner.

Orange/Athol area

In the Orange/Athol area, regular supporters are Kelly's Brunchbox, Eddie's, and Johnson's Farm, who are joined by a new restaurant, Sharon's White Cloud.

For more information, call program Director Amy Clarke at 772-1033, or send a donation to FCCMP, P.O. Box 172, Greenfield, MA 01302.

Franklin County Community Meal Program © 2007