08/28/2026
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Franklin Community Table Food Pantry Continues to Grow
What began as a community discussion online between Franklin residents about ways to help neighbors facing food insecurity has grown into a tangible brick-and-mortar effort with the Franklin Community Table Food Pantry.
Now in a new location at 10 Main St. in Franklin, the pantry continues to grow, according to Pantry President Beverly Alteri. She said she looks forward to keeping the shelves stocked and adding new inventory as the organization continues to evolve since its establishment in 2025. The pantry is currently open two days a week, Wednesdays from 2–6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8–10 a.m.
“We’ve only been open for a year, and we’ve already been gaining lots of momentum,” Alteri said. “Before, only one shopper could be inside at a time, while here, we have everything spread out and the aisles are wide. It’s more of our own space.”
She said with the rising prices of food and levels of food insecurity, the mission of the pantry is more important than ever. Dispelling old misconceptions that pantries are only used by the homeless and unemployed, Alteri said the pantry operates with the belief that needing help with groceries can happen to anyone.
Rising food, housing, fuel and other household costs can quickly stretch anyone’s budget — whether they are employed or not — and she said the pantry strives to assist all in a respectful and welcoming environment. Everyone is welcome to use the pantry’s services, and aside from a brief check-in to help with assessing community needs, no other documentation is required.
“We don’t care if you’re old, young, rich or poor; we are as unintrusive as possible,” Alteri said. “If you need help, just come in.”
The pantry currently distributes a variety of non-perishable foods, fresh vegetables when available, pet food and personal care items. There’s a display with recipe ideas and printouts of resources.
With school starting soon, Alteri said the pantry has recently emphasized providing snack items, such as juice boxes and crackers, to children in need. All ages are welcome, and she said she is confident visitors will find what they need, and if not, they can request items through volunteers.
“For example, if someone comes in and says they need baby formula, we will go out and buy the formula and give it to them,” Alteri said.
She said she is excited about the pantry’s new location on Franklin’s Main Street, a step up in both size and accessibility from its previous location at Franklin United Methodist Church. Alteri said the pantry gets more than 30 visitors a week the two days it’s in operation, and she expects this number to increase.
As the pantry continues to grow, so does the need for donations and volunteers. Donations of everyday pantry staples, personal care products, pet food and other household necessities are especially helpful, Alteri said.
Those interested in volunteering, joining the pantry committee, donating or learning more about the pantry can email [email protected] or call Alteri at 207-266-8209. There are also four donation boxes in Franklin and two in Ellsworth.
Alteri said no matter what the future holds, she’s proud of what the community has done turning ideas into reality and expressed gratitude to town administrators for supporting the pantry initiative.
“We’ve been very well supported by the town and community,” she said. “I’m hoping the pantry will continue to grow and add more shelves so we can help hundreds of families a month.”
By William Tracy — The Ellsworth American
