Franklin County Community Meals Program
“At the working man's house hunger looks in but dares not enter.”
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Poor Richard's Almanac
Why is this big man holding this little envelope?
It’s Share the Bounty with the County time at local restaurants, and Mike Ryan of the Mohawk Diner is hoping his guests will contribute generously! A project of the Franklin County Community Meals Program, Share the Bounty invites diners to leave a dollar or two in a specially-marked envelope when they dine out during the holiday season.
All contributions will help to provide free 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, FCCMP served 17,708 free meals across the county, and gave away enough food and household supplies to feed 10,592 people at the Pantry. According to program Director, Amy Clarke, “Last year, we served more people than ever before in our 24-year history, but this year, between the meal-sites and the Pantry, FCCMP expects to serve over 2,000 more people than that. Our Pantry is only open on Thursdays from 10 – 3, yet we have had as many as 160 families come for food during that time.”
Participating Share the Bounty restaurants include long-time supporters, the People’s Pint, which has collected the most money of any restaurant in each of the past two years. Also in this part of Franklin County, generous supporters include Denny’s Pantry, Brad’s Place, the Mohawk Diner, the Four Leaf Clover, and for the first time, Taylor’s Tavern and the Wagon Wheel. In the Orange area, our very enthusiastic restaurants include Sharon’s White Cloud, Johnson’s Farm, Eddie’s, and Kelly’s. “We know it takes a little extra effort for restaurant staff to keep the tables stocked with envelopes and collect the money for us, and we really appreciate that effort”, says Board President, Steve Adam. “It always surprises us when some restaurants keep on going right into January!”
“We are very excited to be having Deerfield Academy participate this year for the first time”, says Clarke. “They will have a special collection during dinner on our behalf.”
For more information about FCCMP, please call program Director Amy Clarke at 772-1033, or if you are unable to patronize participating restaurants but would like to make a donation, it may be sent to FCCMP, P.O. Box 172, Greenfield, MA 01302. FCCMP is a United Way partner agency.
