Commercial bank Rockland Trust will provide the use of one of its buildings located at 58 Main St. in Franklin to the Franklin Food Pantry.

The Franklin Food Pantry is scheduled to move from its current space at 80 West Central St. June 1.

"Rockland Trust has a long history of supporting non-profit organizations in the communities in which we operate," said Rockland Trust President and CEO Christopher Oddleifson. "The Franklin Food Pantry is a vital resource to the community, and we are pleased to help the pantry secure a new location where it can continue to serve residents who are in need."

The Franklin Food Pantry currently serves nearly 2,200 clients from at least 15 area communities. The pantry provides between 2,600 to 3,200 pounds of food a week, and has recently seen a 15 percent increase in need, according to the bank.
Rockland Trust recently acquired Benjamin Franklin Bank, an 11-branch bank headquartered in Franklin.

On May 11, Rockland Trust also kicked off a canned food drive in each of its new branches to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and eight food banks in the surrounding area. The food drive will run through June 30, and all members of Franklin and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate.