Waushara County Food Pantry is here for our community

Feeding America reports that one in eight people face hunger in Wisconsin, with one in six being children. Any of us could find ourselves in a position to need a little extra help during life’s unexpected events - it could be your neighbor, friend, or even a family member. No one should have to choose between the bills and putting food on the table, so having a place to turn when you are in need can make all the difference. The Waushara County Food Pantry is a vital source of aid that serves every member of our community.
Waushara County Food Pantry, Inc. is a separate non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the Waushara County government. They are the only food pantry in Waushara County that serves all county residents, which is why “Waushara County” is part of its name. The pantry is supported entirely through monetary and food donations received from the community and a variety of grants.
In Wisconsin, 37.2% of households that receive SNAP benefits have children. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a service that supports numerous households in Wisconsin. With the uncertainty and lapse in benefits, the Waushara County Food Pantry knew there would be an increase in aid.
Waushara County Food Pantry Director Tyler Weston was amazed by the response from our community, stating, “With every call we received asking for assistance, we received another asking how they could help.”
It truly takes a village to sustain our pantry, and our local service groups have stepped up to help make a difference in our community. A recent donation from the Waushara County Tavern League has helped the pantry cover the costs of all holiday meats. Even without the holidays, the pantry goes through more than 1,000 pounds of food a week on average.

Parkside Middle School Student Council provided over 2,000 pounds of food during their annual drive this November. The Waushara Democrats also collected over 400 pounds of food and provided a $1,465 donation towards the pantry’s needs. Pick n’ Save has also been collecting donations for the pantry with the help of our community. Waushara County is truly a place that comes together, no matter how difficult things may seem.
The pantry also works with Feeding America, Hunger Task Force, local grocers, and local gardeners during the growing season. This year alone, gardeners provided 5,000 pounds of fresh produce. The pantry has also reestablished their connection with the Hancock UW-Agriculture Research Station, who have been providing a steady supply of potatoes from this past harvest season.
Looking forward, the pantry hopes to build more long-term connections to ensure they are able to supply nutritious food year-round. Weston shared that the pantry is currently working with CAP Services and our other local pantries to establish funds to help purchase fresh produce regularly.
While the pantry does its best with the donations it receives, it can be challenging to ensure a sufficient supply of fresh produce and meat for the month. The Waushara County Food Pantry is considered a supplemental food resource, so while they would love to provide food to cover a family for the entire month, they simply do not have the means to provide that quantity. “For perspective, a single adult on average consumes around 170 pounds of food each month, or around 5.5 pounds per day. For a family of 3 (our average family size), the 70-80 pounds of food we typically provide each month would need to be increased six times over to cover the full month,” Weston shared.
Households receive food once each month. Drive-through food distribution takes place on Fridays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Pantry guests are greeted at the check-in window to confirm registration information or register for the first time. The pantry previously collaborated with a nutritionist; however, federal budget reductions led to the discontinuation of the position through the FoodWise program. Despite this, the pantry remains committed to following MyPlate nutritional standards to ensure healthy and balanced food options. These standards provide healthy, well-balanced meal options. Families receive a combination of shelf-stable, fresh, and frozen foods based on family size and remain in their vehicle while volunteers place food in the trunk of their car.
The pantry is always in need of additional volunteers or donations. No matter the size of your contribution, your efforts will directly impact Waushara County.
Waushara County Food Pantry, Inc. remains a steadfast source of support for all, regardless of circumstance. In times of need, knowing there is a compassionate organization to rely on offers reassurance and peace of mind.
To learn more about eligibility guidelines, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can become involved, visit the pantry website at www.wausharafoodpantry.org

Distribution times: Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 220 N. Oakridge Ct., Wautoma

Contact: 920-787-0641 or foodpantrywausharacounty@gmail.com
Website: www.wausharafoodpantry.org