Franklin Food Bank’s Executive Director Derek Smith Discusses Feeding Families in Central Jersey

Derek Smith, the executive director of the Franklin Food Bank, joined us in the studio. Derek stopped by to discuss, among other things, their community distribution on the first Wednesday of every month.

While we all know (and feel) the effects of rising food costs, supply shortages, and high gas prices, the impact in our area is particularly sharp. Fact: a household in Somerset County needs to bring home at least $118,000 in order to cover basic, minimum expenses.

That means more working people are finding it hard to make ends meet. Some are already dealing with food insecurity. These people are like you and me, single parents, the unemployed, the elderly, and disabled people. Now they're dealing with it with even greater uncertainty. Now, more than ever, it’s important to know about this important community outreach.

The Franklin Food Bank has served Franklin Township since 1975, and they’re serving more than ever from within the township and beyond. They offer community food distribution on the first Wednesday of each month at the Franklin Police Department, no questions asked. If anyone needs more support, they’re welcome to shop at the organization’s market-style distribution at the food bank on Churchill Ave.

Consider the fact that many who benefit from the Franklin Food Bank are neighbors who are just like you who may have fallen on some hard times and need a little help to get back on track.

Take a listen to what Derek has to say and please take action; if you can, please consider a donation to the Franklin Food Bank to help them carry out their work; if you need help, please call the Franklin Food Bank to make sure you and your family are safe and nourished.

If you can, please consider a donation to the Franklin Food Bank to help them carry out their work. If you need help, please call the Franklin Food Bank to make sure you and your family are safe and nourished.

Hear what Derek had to say about how the need has increase and how you can help…

Franklin Food Bank: Get help or give help at franklinfoodbank.org  or 732-246-0009

Every year our kids dress up and knock on strangers' doors and ask for candy. Free candy! They just walk up and people they've never met before give them sweet treats, it's arguably the best idea ever. We could complain that they don't always get the candy we want, and sometimes it's not even candy! Apples, pretzels, potato chips, and sometimes some loose change they have sitting around the house, what's wrong with these people?

According to a study by Coventry Direct, New Jersey's overall favorite is Raisinettes. I always hoped for a Zagnut, but that's another story. I say Zagnut is my favorite, but according to the New York Post, being a Scorpio the stars say it's not.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18), PISCES (February 19 to March 20), ARIES (March 21 to April 19), TAURUS (April 20 to May 20), GEMINI (May 21 to June 20), CANCER (June 21 to July 22), LEO (July 23 to August 22), VIRGO (August 23 to September 22), LIBRA (September 23 to October 22), SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21), SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21), and CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19).

"Aquarius is commonly associated with innovation and cosmic exploration. Fittingly, M&Ms were developed as a war ration. Their candy case prevents the chocolate from melting in the pockets of soldiers"

Described as the "music to your mouth," Pisceans are soothed by its sound. It's like Rice Krispies cereal cemented in a chocolate casing. Snap, crackle, pop, crunch.

Snickers bars are made by Mars Inc. and the Mars family named it after their pet horse. Marketing experts would reject that today. You need to research potential names, focus groups and surveys. Not for Snickers.

Bart and Homer Simpson said, "No one better lay a finger on my Butterfinger." Tauruses are possessive so it all makes sense. Food that is named after a body part. Finger seems to be a popular name, just ask the chickens and ladies. There's even a group of eats called "finger food."

Gemini is represented by twins, and Twix comes in twos. It's got a great combo of sweets. Cookies, caramel and chocolate, delicious!

"The 100 Grand Bar has been the subject of many a radio prank. Announcers offering callers $100,000 and delivering a single bar instead. It has even been plot points in episodes of “The Office” and “Seinfeld.” That product placement sold a lot of candy.

They're crunchy and delicious. Leos love their shiny appearance which garners attention which they love. One a day keeps the doctor away unless the doctor is a dentist.

Kit Kat was named after a London club with strong literary and political ties. The candy debuted "during Virgo season in 1935." My dad turns 88 next month and the Kit-Kat has just barely been around his entire life. 

This is the most popular candy in most circles. It allegedly came about by accident when two people, one eating chocolate and one eating peanut butter, bumped into one another causing their snacks to collide. They were about to kill one another when they both realized the discovery they made.

As a lifelong Scorpio, I'm not sure I agree with this. If I haven't mentioned it, my fave is Zagnut. However, astrologically speaking, I love candy corn.

"Sagittarius is the eternal optimist of the zodiac...you can’t keep these people down or out...Mr. Goodbar was... [used]...as a way to keep the company afloat and employees at work during the Great Depression." The story goes that someone in product development said, "That's a good bar." Milton Hershey heard that and decided on the name.

I'm not sure I completely understand this. Apparently Capricorns hand out toothbrushes at Halloween because they "rule over the teeth." I think the lesson here is, "Stay away from Capricorns on October 31st.