Franklin Food Bank Honored with Community Champion Award at Congressional Hunger Center’s National Dinner

Franklin Food Bank Honored with Community Champion Award at Congressional Hunger Center’s National Dinner

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, NJ – June 5, 2025 – The Franklin Food Bank proudly announces it was awarded the prestigious 2025 Community Champion Hunger Leadership Award last night, June 4th, at the Congressional Hunger Center’s annual Hunger Leadership Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. Executive Director Derek Smith accepted the accolade on behalf of the Franklin Food Bank, recognized for its outstanding commitment to addressing food insecurity in Somerset County.

The national dinner convened a distinguished assembly of leaders from government, philanthropy, the private sector, and the anti-hunger community to celebrate those driving progress towards a world free from hunger and poverty.

A poignant moment of the evening came during Senator Amy Klobuchar’s remarks, where she powerfully acknowledged the direct impact of local organizations. "Not all angels fly," Senator Klobuchar remarked, as she reached out her hand towards Executive Director Derek Smith, then added, "you are giving people the wings they need to fly with the work you are doing." This powerful sentiment underscored the Franklin Food Bank's vital role in empowering its community.

The Franklin Food Bank, a cornerstone of the community since 1975, has evolved from a grassroots effort into a vital resource serving thousands of residents. In 2024 alone, the Food Bank distributed 3.1 million pounds of food, facilitated over 30,000 client visits, and mobilized over 17,000 volunteer hours. Beyond core food distribution, the organization adopts a holistic approach, including health screenings, nutrition workshops, and assistance with accessing SNAP benefits, which has yielded significant results, with 94% of client families reporting an improved capacity to afford other essential needs. The Food Bank’s impactful strategies were also recognized by a $1 million grant from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving foundation in 2024.

Other esteemed awardees celebrated for their remarkable contributions to the anti-hunger movement included Riani Carr, recipient of the Rising Star Alum Award; Amanda Rives, honored with the Outstanding Alum Award; and Deriece Harrington, Director of Government Affairs and Corporate Citizenship at PepsiCo, who received this year's Corporate Partner Award.

"Being recognized by the Congressional Hunger Center alongside such dedicated leaders and organizations was an incredibly humbling experience," said Derek Smith, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Bank. "Senator Klobuchar's words deeply resonated, articulating precisely what we strive for: to provide the foundational support that allows our neighbors to build stable, healthy lives. This award fuels our unwavering commitment to continue and expand our efforts, aligning with the Congressional Hunger Center’s powerful vision of a world free from hunger and poverty."

The Franklin Food Bank continues its vital work, driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods.

For more information on the Franklin Food Bank and how to support its mission, please visit FranklinFoodBank.org.

About the Franklin Food Bank:

The Franklin Food Bank is a cornerstone of the community, serving thousands of residents by providing essential food resources and comprehensive support programs. Since 1975, it has evolved into a vital resource, addressing food insecurity with a holistic approach that includes health screenings, nutrition workshops, and assistance with accessing benefits, ensuring neighbors have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.

About the Congressional Hunger Center:

The Congressional Hunger Center is a national organization dedicated to a world free from hunger and poverty. It works to address the solvable problem of hunger by building the public and political will, and by developing leaders who can effectively advocate for and implement solutions. The Center envisions a world where every person can achieve their full potential, supported by equitable systems that ensure financial freedom and access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods.