Franklin Food Bank: Community Distribution Event This Week [Program Director Terri Seeney-Majette In-Studio]
Jered filled in for me on Monday with Maryann. They had the opportunity to speak with Terri Seeney-Majette about many of the things the Franklin Food Bank does for Central Jersey. This includes their upcoming community distribution event. Terri is the Program Director at the Franklin Food Bank in Somerset.
Terri talked about how the Franklin Food Bank is prepared for the rise in food prices. She shared, “We’re prepared for the increase in clients. We have a wonderful client-choice market. If there’s anybody who is a resident of Franklin Township and needs food, they can contact us…and they can come and get the food that they need.”
While we all know and feel the effects of rising food costs and supply shortages, the impact in our area is particularly sharp. did you know that 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. Plus, inflation is at a 40-year high.
Community Distribution is one of the three programs of the Franklin Food Bank. 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 this Wednesday and the first Wednesday of every month. Check out Terri’s interview with Jered and Maryann 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
Listen to Joel Katz and Maryann Morgan every weekday morning from 6 to 10 AM for everything you need to get your workday moving in the right direction. Joel and Maryann keep you informed with news updates at the top of every hour, traffic and weather three times an hour, and Entertainment Updates at 6:10 and 8:10. Check out “What’s Trending” at 7:10 and “What Are You Talking About” at 9:10. The winning starts at 6:45 with the “Impossible Question,” and continues at 7:20, 8:20 and 9:20. Joel and Maryann in the Morning on Magic 98.3
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
Nadezhda_Nesterova/ Getty Images
Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
baibaz/ Getty Images
Waffles
nicoletaionescu/ Getty Images
There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
