FRANKLIN TWP OFFICIALS VOTE TO END CONTRACT WITH GC NUTRITION PROGRAM
The vote was unanimous by Franklin Township officials on Tuesday night 12/11 by a vote of 5-0 to end the senior citizen lunch program with Gloucester County that began almost ten years ago. Gloucester County had a total of six nutrition sites located throughout the county in Mantua, Glassboro, Thorofare, Williamstown, Paulsboro and Franklin.
Several individuals spoke during the public portion to ask officials to keep the County program in Franklin Township. Those individuals included Harry and Jean Thompson of Malaga, Elaine Adams of Franklinville, Dick Brooks of Franklin Township and Babara Halpern of Newfield.
Jean Thompson has been a volunteer for the Gloucester County Nutrition Program and stated that the County provides a well-balanced mid-day meal to seniors who are 60 or older, or the spouse of a participant for a cost of $1.25 or free if the person is unable to pay..
The mid-day meal was served in Franklin Township at 11 am on Monday – Friday at the Community Center. Jean has been actively trying to encourage more senior citizens to come out to the community center in hopes to foster more social interaction that many seniors are looking for during the daytime hours. She stated that the meals are planned by a nutritionist to ensure recommended nutrients and she is concerned with what the township plans to have with their new program that will begin in January.
Jean and her husband Harry were disappointed with the officials decision and were told their time was up when they continued to ask questions about the details. Jean stated that she has petitions with almost 500 signatures from residents of all ages who requested officials to keep the program.
“They were not able to provide us with any information. I had questions regarding what the cost will be to taxpayers, the names of businesses who plan to sign contracts with the township, if they will have a nutritionist to plan the meals, how many people will have to be hired to set up and clean up or heat up meals, as well as what days and times will these meals be delivered and what happens if a business doesn’t show up with any food, etc,” said Jean.