Pembine, Wisconsin, is home to Moe’s Kitchen Food Pantry, a vital resource for residents facing food insecurity. Since its founding in 2000, the pantry has housed itself in the former First Presbyterian Church, with Melissa Drinka leading the effort since 2008. Inspired by her husband’s uncle, who ran a soup kitchen in Chicago, Melissa has dedicated her time and energy to help those in need.
Every Tuesday at around 11:30 a.m., volunteers gather to sort and distribute food. They source their supplies through Feeding America, picking up groceries weekly from a central hub in Crivitz. “It used to be tough going all the way to Milwaukee every month,” Melissa recalls. The pantry also receives special boxes for seniors from Hunger Task Force, supporting the older community members.
Volunteering here is a labor of love. About 32 people help at Moe’s Kitchen, working entirely unpaid. “All donations go back into keeping the pantry running,” Melissa explains. However, the pantry has faced challenges recently, especially after the pandemic. “We’re seeing a decrease in supply from big companies. They used to donate much more,” she says, reflecting on the current struggle to meet increasing demand.
Recent data shows that food prices have risen significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, grocery prices jumped by 12.2% from a year ago. This inflation puts more pressure on families, leading to higher demand for pantry services. “More people are reaching out for help, while many other pantries are tightening their assistance rules,” Melissa says.
Community support is crucial in keeping Moe’s Kitchen afloat. Local groups, like the Ladies from Grace Lutheran Church, donate items like paper products, showing how interconnected their efforts are. “If you can save on essentials, that means more budget for food,” she points out. Fundraisers also play an essential role, including a popular brat fry every Memorial Day weekend.
Melissa dreams of having a dedicated building for the pantry, like those in nearby communities. Securing grant money has helped them acquire essential equipment, such as a $6,200 grant for a trailer to pick up food. “We wouldn’t be able to manage without community help,” she emphasizes.
As food insecurity increases, places like Moe’s Kitchen are more critical than ever. With the community’s support, they strive to meet the needs of Pembine residents. For anyone looking to help, monetary donations and food contributions are always welcomed. More information can be found by calling 906-282-1816.
For further reading on food insecurity impacts across the U.S., check out reports from [Feeding America](https://www.feedingamerica.org/research/publications). Understanding these challenges is essential as we work together to find solutions.
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