Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cdbg topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin Food Bank urges CDBG support, cites rising local need
Summary
At a public hearing on the 2026 CDBG schedule, the Franklin Food Bank urged continued Community Development Block Grant funding, citing expanded services, capacity limits and the prevalence of local SNAP recipients; staff outlined application and action‑plan deadlines for the program.
The Franklin Food Bank appealed to the Franklin Township Council during the Feb. 10 public hearing on the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) schedule, asking for continued partnership and funding.
Ali O'Brien, development director, described facility improvements made with prior CDBG support — expanded market space, refrigeration and a mobile reception office to connect neighbors to health and social services — and said the organization has reached capacity in its current building. O'Brien cited county SNAP statistics, saying there are about 11,000 SNAP recipients in Somerset County and that roughly 4,000 live in Franklin Township, and she urged council to consider the food bank for CDBG and other support.
Township staff presented the CDBG schedule: the application process opened Feb. 2, 2026; applications are due March 10; a second public hearing on needs and applications is set for March 24; a draft action plan contingent on federal funding should be completed by May 9 and published May 22; the council is scheduled to approve the action plan on June 23, 2026.
O'Brien said the food bank provided 4.4 million meals last year and asked the council to prioritize projects that increase capacity and dignity for clients. The council closed the hearing without objection and continued with the meeting agenda.
