Our In-Studio Visit from Franklin Food Bank’s Dauna Jendrek With Program Details

Joining us this month was Franklin Food Bank External Affairs Manager Dauna Jendrek.  Dauna was in studio to about all the things the Franklin Food Bank does for Central Jersey including its community distribution on first Wednesdays, its nutrition program, and the summer programs they have scheduled for 2024.

Dauna shared that the Nutrition Program is a free monthly class. The next class is this Friday, July 12th from 11 am to 12 noon. Its focus is “balanced meals” using the MyPlate philosophy. Participants will be able to create a daily meal plan, identify personal healthy food choices, and have a cooking demonstration. Check out our chat here...

While we all know (and feel) the effects of rising food costs and supply shortages, the impact in our area is particularly sharp. Consider this sobering statistic: a household in Somerset County needs to bring home at least $118,000 in order to cover basic, minimum expenses. That’s just the basics and it’s still a tight fit. Additionally, inflation is at a 40-year high.

Franklin Food Bank's Community Distribution is one of the three programs they offer. In this program, anyone can receive food (generally fresh produce, non-perishables, and beverages) during the hours of the program. It is set up to be a drive-through system where the volunteers and staff pack your trunk with food, however, walk-ups are also welcome. The Franklin Food Bank serves anyone and everyone, with no questions, no means of testing, and no identification required. The next community distribution takes place on the first Wednesday of every month including tomorrow. Check out Dauna's interview here...

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.

The Franklin Food Bank is located at 224 Churchill Avenue Somerset, NJ 08873, and appointments can be made at 732-246-0009.

Franklin Food Bank: Get help or give help at franklinfoodbank.org

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.