Franklin Township proclaims Thanksgiving, local food bank warns holiday spike will outlast the season

The Franklin Township Council read a Thanksgiving proclamation at its Nov. 25 work session and presented awards recognizing local volunteers and nonprofits supporting neighbors in need. The proclamation declared Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, Thanksgiving Day in the township and urged residents to support charitable efforts and local food banks.

Derek Smith, executive director of the Franklin Food Bank, told the council the organization typically sees a roughly 20% spike in demand during the holiday season. He said a recent SNAP benefit freeze and higher prices for gas, housing and health care have added to that surge and that the food bank is currently handling “about 25 to 30% above what we usually see.” Smith thanked volunteers and donors — from small cash gifts to larger checks — and asked the community to sustain support after Thanksgiving, noting food insecurity persists year-round.

On the dais the mayor described a $50 donation she turned over to the food bank after finding a lost phone at a municipal conference. Faith leaders and volunteers accepted proclamation copies and posed for photos. Reverend Sonia Red, president of the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, and Minister Corey Lee emphasized the faith community’s commitment to ongoing service and year‑round support for residents.

The council did not take any formal votes tied to funding or new services during the meeting; the food bank’s needs as presented will inform future budget discussions and volunteer drives, officials said. The council and staff provided event and volunteer contact information and encouraged residents to donate or volunteer beyond the holiday window.