At the Fondy Food Pantry in Fond du Lac, people come to choose food to support their families. Volunteer Cindy Taylor explains that for many, asking for help is a difficult step. “Getting up and saying I need help, that’s hard,” she says.
Over the years, more families have turned to the pantry. In 2018, 25 to 30 families per session was considered busy. Then COVID-19 changed everything. “Now we see about a hundred families each time we open,” Taylor noted.
Executive Director David Diaz mentions that the pantry has seen a steady rise in demand over the last few years. “In just 2025, we welcomed about 1,500 new families,” he revealed. This trend reflects larger economic issues that many communities face across the country.
Diaz points out that factors beyond individual control play a big role. For instance, rising gas prices affect people’s budgets significantly. “We have to pay whatever it costs to get to work,” he said. This economic stress pushes more families to seek assistance.
Despite the challenges, both Taylor and Diaz remain hopeful. “We’re here to help,” Taylor adds. In 2025 alone, the pantry served around 17,500 households, impacting about 42,000 individuals.
In recent years, food insecurity has become a national concern. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 10.5% of households in the U.S. experienced food insecurity at some point that year. These statistics underline the importance of community resources like the Fondy Food Pantry. Taylor and Diaz emphasize their commitment to supporting those in need, hoping for a time when economic stability is more common for everyone.
For more insights into food insecurity trends, check out the USDA’s latest findings on food access and affordability.
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