Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Named “Man of the Year”
We call it first Monday. The first Monday of each month we interview one of the staff members at the Franklin Food Bank. The visit is for an update and to promote all the wonderful things the food bank does to help the people in our community.
Man of the Year
This month’s guest was Franklin Food Bank Executive Director Derek Smith. One of the things that we learned is that Derek was just named “2023 Man of the Year” by the Franklin Reporter and Advocate.
During our interview Derek was quick to deflect credit to his coworkers. He said, “At the end of the day it’s really not about me. It’s about the team, I have an incredible staff and incredible group of volunteers. Any of this type of stuff really just shines the light on the work we do at the Franklin Food Bank. So that’s what this is all about.” Derek started at the food bank in March of 2022 and says that it’s “The best job that I’ve had in my entire life.”
The Numbers
The Franklin Food Bank had an epic year in 2023
17,000+ visits to their “Client Choice market.”
12,000+ visits to their drive thru community distribution.
300,000+ pounds donated to the organization Beyond Borders.
13,000+ hours volunteered.
2.8 million pounds of food distributed.
Derek acknowledged that they are very happy to be able to serve so many neighbors in need. However, he said, “In a town and in a county and in a country of such wealth it’s really sad to have those types of numbers.”
Check out the full interview including how the Franklin Food Bank’s “Bodega Joes” got its name.
The Franklin Food Bank has served Franklin Township since 1975. They offer their community food distribution on the first Wednesday of each month, no questions asked. The monthly event starts at 11 am and is located at the Franklin Township Police Department’s Community Relations Bureau on Hamilton Street in Somerset, NJ. You are also welcome to shop at the food bank on Churchill Ave.
To get or give help call 732-246-0009 or go to FranklinFoodBank.org.