Food Insecurity Issues
More than 5,800 people in Franklin County are estimated to experience food insecurity. That means there are neighbors in our own community who may not always know where their next meal is coming from.
Food insecurity doesn't always look the way we expect.
It may be a parent trying to stretch groceries until payday. It may be a senior deciding which bills can wait. It may be someone who was doing fine until an unexpected expense came up.
People who need help from the Food Pantry are our friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and fellow members of this community.
Here's what we know.
Local numbers help us understand the people and households behind the need.
People experiencing food insecurity
An estimated 5,800+ people in Franklin County experience food insecurity.
2021 estimate
People living below the poverty line
When income is limited, there is often very little room for groceries after housing, transportation, medical costs, utilities, and other necessities are paid.
2024 estimate
Sometimes there just isn't enough.
Food insecurity means that someone doesn't have reliable access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
A household may have enough food one week and need help the next. A missed paycheck, fewer hours at work, higher grocery prices, or an unexpected expense can change things very quickly.
Asking for help with food isn't a failure. Sometimes people simply need their community to help them through a difficult stretch.
There isn't one kind of Food Pantry client.
Every household has its own story.
Families
When the household budget gets tight, groceries can become one of the first places families have to cut back.
Children
Children depend on the adults around them to make sure there is enough food at home.
Seniors
For someone living on a fixed income, even a small increase in everyday costs can make a big difference.
This is where the Food Pantry comes in.
We help provide food when people in our community need it, and we work with others throughout Franklin County to make that help possible.
A Week of Groceries
Each approved household receives one full week of groceries.
Local Partnerships
More than 30 churches and community agencies help connect people with support.
Making Donations Go Further
Purchasing food in bulk helps us stretch available resources.
People Helping People
Volunteers and donors keep the Pantry ready to serve.
This work takes all of us.
The Food Pantry is supported by people throughout Franklin County. Churches, community agencies, volunteers, donors, food-drive organizers, and individuals all play a part.
No one should have to be embarrassed to ask for food.
When someone walks through our doors, they are our neighbor. We want people to find food, kindness, and respect when they need a little help.
Want to help your neighbors?
Maybe you have a few hours to volunteer. Maybe your workplace can hold a food drive. Maybe you can make a donation. Whatever you can give, it helps us be here when a neighbor needs us.