United is the Way We Feed One Another

During this uncertain time, about 20% of our Shawano and Menominee Counties households are being affected by the FoodShare pause. This is about 6,900 of our neighbors who will face further food insecurity. This page is a one stop shop for those looking to find local resources for where to receive help and those looking for where they can give help. 

Where to go for help with food:

Check out our Local Community Resource Card at the top menu of this page or by clicking HERE for a list of local organizations that help with a variety of categorized needs.

For food specific resources, you can download this PDF or view the images at the bottom of the page. Please note that resources are listed in alphabetical order by pantry and then as other meal ideas on page 3. Many of the listed resources also have websites or Facebook pages of their own.

Here are direct links to the ALDI and Walmart meal for 10 for $40 deals: ALDI or Walmart

Where and how to send help:

On Friday, October 31st, the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department and United Way hosted a community pantry meeting. About half of our area food pantries and shelters were represented as we shared data around the FoodShare pause and listened to their feedback on what they need most at this time. Here are some key takeaways from that meeting:

Donations:

If you are considering running a food drive or donating to one of your local pantries here are the items they need most:

1. Cash Donations
   1. Best option because it allows the volunteers and directors of the pantries to manage their inventories and cash flow, especially as the holiday season approaches. 
2. Non-Food Items
   1. Many of our local pantries offer non-food such as hygiene products and laundry detergent. Clients need other everyday products as well like soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, and more.
3. Food
   1. We encourage you to think about nutrition and expiration dates. Consider putting together a donation of a "meal" where you submit a recipe card with a package of ingredients to make it. 
   2. Also consider other items you may need to prepare any food you donate. For example, a box of Mac and Cheese is an easy donation but also consider donating the butter and milk a family will need to fully make the meal.
4. Consider calling ahead to the pantry and asking if they are low on any specific products before donating.

Local Food Drives Currently Happening:

If you are hosting a food drive currently and would like it listed here, please send us an email by submitting this Contact Us form. In your message please include:

• Dates of your food drive
• Drop off location
• Pantry that is being benefitted
• Any special instructions for donors

County Wide Drive:

More information coming soon on this initiative.

Together we will all have enough to eat

Thank you for taking the time to learn about how to support your neighbors or where you can receive that support yourself. United is the way we will make sure all of our neighbors have enough to eat. United is the way!

Local Food Pantry and Meal Guide: