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Joel Katz

Franklin Food Bank Warehouse Manager Making a Big Difference in Somerset

Author Joel Katz
Credit: J. Katz

This month, we’re introducing one of the incredible leaders at Franklin Food Bank, Kevin Foster. Kevin is the warehouse manager and has been with the food bank for just about a year.

Franklin Food Bank Warehouse Accomplishments

In 2023 the Franklin Food Bank received and distributed almost 2.8 million pounds of food throughout our community in Central Jersey. Nearly 700,000 pounds of that is fresh produce. It all comes from their relationship with over thirty retail partners. That is truly unheard of for a 5,000-square-foot warehouse. That much production for a warehouse this size is not something that happens much.

What is “Gleaning?”

Mr. Foster is very humble but a strong force. He has done an amazing job in helping to grow and expand their gleaning program. “Gleaning” is a farm term that has been adopted by food pantries and means food rescue and recovery.

The team travels to different local retailers and picks up food donations from these stores that would otherwise go to waste. The vast majority of these donations are perfectly safe, healthy, fresh foods. It’s transferred to them over to a food pantry like Franklin Food Bank where they can still be used and enjoyed.

Many of their gleaning partners deal with the same space issues as the food bank. They sometimes just don’t have the capacity to store all the food they receive, purchase, or order and so they call Kevin.

Kevin is amazing at building those relationships and increasing the food recovery operations for the food bank. He’s helped accomplish so much that he’s broken several records. Since August of last year, Kevin’s warehouse has continued to regularly break the food bank’s all-time record of gleaning pounds.

Community Distribution Details

This Wednesday, March 6th at 11 am is the Franklin Food Bank’s next community distribution. It takes place at the Franklin Township Police Department’s Community Relations Bureau, located at 935 Hamilton Street, Somerset, NJ 08873

Community Distribution is one of the many programs at the Franklin Food Bank. Anyone can receive food (fresh produce, non-perishables, and beverages). It’s set up to be a drive-thru system where the volunteers and staff pack your trunk with food. Walk-ups are also welcome and the program serves anyone and everyone, with no questions, and no identification required.

Check out our live in-studio talk with Franklin Food Bank Warehouse Manager Kevin Foster here…

For more information about the distribution and all things FFB click here.

4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Denny’s are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee’s, Chili’s, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It’s worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including “your house,” family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it’s a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

More Background on Chain Restaurants.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn’t until the late ’90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it’s all about eating a meal.

“Fancy like Applebee’s on a date night.”

There’s something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that’s why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee’s. So, let’s chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

  • Safer Bets & Convenience

    One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you’re in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it’s there. It’s that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

    Young women seated at a table holding menus in a restaurant. Young girls at cafe making choice and place their order, while waiting standing by with a digital tablet.

    jacoblund/ Getty Images

  • Familiarity & Nostalgia

    For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It’s like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

    Couple in restaurant eat sandwiches and have fun together. Happiness, people,enjoyment and lifestyle concept.

    Ivanko_Brnjakovic/ Getty Images

  • Affordability

    Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef’s specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn’t want to feel like we’ve emptied our pockets for a single meal. That’s why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

    Tip money on restaurant's table.Change money on table

    kittimages/ Getty Images

  • Seating & Space

    Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you’ve got more than four people in your party. Unless you’ve made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone’s a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.

    Happy people drinking beer at brewery bar out doors - Friendship lifestyle concept with young friends enjoying time together at open air pub - Dark color tones on vivid filter

    ViewApart/ Getty Images

Joel Katz is the Morning Show Personality, Assistant Program Director, Podcast Host, Voiceover artist, audio producer, and Digital Content Writer for Magic 98.3. Joel has been working in New Jersey radio since college and started at Magic in 2002 as the Morning Show Host, “I can’t think of another place where I’d fit more perfectly; it’s just a great company with awesome people.” Joel is married to Kathleen, his elementary school sweetheart (they were each other’s first dates at age 9), shares a birthday with his oldest son, Ty, and has twins, Kiera and Liam. Joel runs at least 3.1 miles every day and enjoys playing basketball, doing laundry, saving his turn signal for when he really needs it, kissing dogs through a fence, using coasters, making that cool noise by rubbing his fingers on balloons, and chasing after ping pong balls on a windy cruise ship.

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