Meals on Wheels Western Michigan’s Senior Pantry is a place for seniors to get nutritious groceries that support independent aging. Eligible seniors can shop for meat, produce, and pantry staples up to 2x a month. Fred Franks sees this as an opportunity to socialize and has come to know many wonderful people while shopping at the pantry.
Meet Mr. Fred Franks
“I’m a retired cop with a proud story.” Mr. Franks was in high spirits at the MOWWM Senior Pantry, happy to speak to everyone and anyone.
“With the help of programs like the Senior Pantry, I stay independent. I’m content, I’m happy. I first came to the pantry when I walked up to the Walgreens next door about a year ago. Then I found out that the people were nice and it’s close to home. It gives me a little something to do. I love coming here, even just to socialize.”
Keeping His Story Alive
After doctors’ orders to slow down over the past 20 years, Mr. Franks has gradually been getting out again and telling his story and that of his father, football player turned civil rights activist, Julius Franks Jr.
Julius Franks Jr.’s promising football career was unfortunately cut short by a bout of tuberculosis that left him hospitalized for two years. He moved to Grand Rapids on the advice of fellow football player and future United States President, Gerald R. Ford. The Franks grew up on a street occupied by the Meijer’s and the Gordan’s, of Meijer grocery stores, and Gordan Food Services. “It was a historical street. My father bought that land and we started the integration of black people into Grand Rapids.”
No Stranger to Struggles
He describes his life as one of duality, eating dinner at the governor’s mansion with his father, and then going to throw rocks with his friends at North Park in the evening. One time, Derek Jeter even introduced him to Michael Jordan! “I would dare you to find an earlier black man who was a sports guy turned civil rights activist like my father. He was around at the same time as Martin Luther King Jr., except he was fortunate enough to not have to protest because he had friends in the right places. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t have our struggles.”
Mr. Franks recalled how his friend’s mother would make all the neighborhood boys eat outside at the picnic table rather than welcome them into the house whenever he was present. “They knew who my father was, so they never turned me away, but there was always a subtext.” Mr. Franks has been asked to be interviewed by multiple broadcasting stations in the area this year. He is helping a new generation of Grand Rapidian’s learn about the roots of our city. He and his father’s lives are woven into the tapestry of Grand Rapids history.
A Beautiful Sentiment
After loading up on fresh produce and pantry staples to last him over the holidays, Mr. Franks parted ways with a beautiful sentiment, “You keep telling your story, and I’ll keep listening.”
Not in our service area for the Senior Pantry Program? That’s ok! Try finding similar services through the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan; they can get you access in your area. If you have any questions about the Senior Pantry or any other services we offer, call us at (616) 459-3111 ext. 202.
Your donations and volunteer efforts help amazing local seniors like Fred access fresh food, community, and friendship. Get involved with the Senior Pantry and share this amazing story with someone you know.
