Rising Need: Waukesha County Food Pantry Faces Growing Clientele Amidst Declining Support

WAUKESHA, Wis. – Leaders at a food pantry in Waukesha report a significant rise in people needing help. The demand has jumped, but funding and food supplies are dwindling.

The Food Pantry of Waukesha County had a record year last year, assisting nearly 9,000 individuals. This year, they’ve already seen an 11% increase in requests for support.

Volunteer Julie Huttner observes a shifting pattern. “We see many repeat visitors, but not always the same faces,” she notes. This highlights the growing need in the community.

Lyndsay Johnson, the pantry’s executive director, emphasizes the struggle. Despite the surge in need, two key federally funded food programs are being cut or eliminated. “These changes could leave some empty spots for us to fill,” Johnson explains, estimating a loss of about $75,000 in food supplies.

As a result, the pantry has reduced the amount of meat distributed. “I appreciate the support we do receive,” she adds, “but the future worries me.”

This situation isn’t unique to Waukesha. Food pantries across the country are facing similar challenges. According to a recent survey by Feeding America, 53% of food banks reported a decrease in federal food assistance in 2023, even as the demand for services has increased by about 20% compared to previous years. This trend underscores the national crisis in food insecurity.

The pantry funds some of their food purchase out of their own pockets. Last year, they spent $381,000 on food—a staggering 319% increase over three years. “That’s a huge amount for an organization like ours,” Johnson remarks, stressing the reliance on community contributions.

Summer months often see a slowdown in donations, as people go on vacation and food drives drop off. Specific cuts include:

• $25,000 in Emergency Assistance Program deliveries for essentials like milk, eggs, and meat.
• $50,000 from the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), which was canceled. This program provided locally sourced produce and meat.

As communities rally to support their local food banks, the dialogue around food insecurity continues to grow on social media. Many users are sharing hashtags like #FoodPantrySupport to raise awareness and encourage donations. The outpouring of support proves that while challenges are mounting, hope and community spirit remain strong.

For more insights, you can explore the latest reports from organizations like Feeding America, which highlights data about food insecurity and trends across the nation.

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