STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin and the United Way of Portage County are joining forces to create a new giving website. This platform will allow people to make secure donations to local food pantries.
In Portage County, over 5,700 residents rely on FoodShare benefits. With recent cuts to these benefits, many families are seeking assistance from local food pantries. “When federal support decreases, our community’s compassion truly shines,” said Jenny Riggenbach, CEO of the Community Foundation. She emphasizes the importance of community donations, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Fred Hebblewhite, CEO of the United Way of Portage County, shared that food insecurity affects everyone in our community. As more families turn to local pantries for help, this partnership aims to streamline the donation process. “By offering one clear way to give, we can better assist local food programs in feeding families with care and dignity,” he explained.
The donations from the new giving website will support various organizations, including:
- Community Thrift Store of Portage County
- Interfaith Food Pantry of Portage County
- Mobile Food Pantry – Partners HP
- New Hope Community Church – Bread of Life Food Pantry
- Operation Bootstrap
- Rosholt Food Pantry
- St. Joseph’s Parish Food Pantry
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry
- Tomorrow River Area Community Kitchen Food Pantry
- Woodlands Church Backpacks 4 Hope Program
Addressing food insecurity is more crucial than ever, especially with recent statistics showing a surge in need. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 10.5% of households experienced food insecurity in recent years, highlighting the importance of local efforts to combat this issue.
As community members share their experiences on social media, many express gratitude and hope. This new initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of unity among residents.
For more insights on food insecurity, you can read the USDA report here.
Source link
food pantries,SNAP,FoodShare,donations,Portage County,community foundation,united way
