Surge in Food Pantry Usage Across Door County: What It Means for Our Community – Door County Pulse

Lynn Marquardt runs the Sturgeon Bay Community Church Food Pantry. Every Friday, she and her team get ready to help those in need. This particular day, a frozen ham caught her eye, which was unusual to receive; protein items have become rare from Feeding America, the national network they rely on.

“We used to get protein every week,” Lynn remembers. “Now, it’s rare.”

In 2024, Feeding America reported over $5 billion in public support, but very little of that goes to protein-rich foods. Much of the food they receive is near its expiration date or damaged. The pantry offers essentials like detergent and food bags filled with staples for families, regardless of income.

Lynn observes the warm atmosphere as people pick up their food. “People really need it,” she says. One visitor expressed joy over the ham, seeing it as a way to make soup.

The pantry relies heavily on donations from their church and community. In April 2025, they served an astonishing 113 people, a jump from just 29 a year before. Most of these new visitors are elderly, according to Laura Apfelbeck from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Elderly women and those with young children often bear the brunt of economic struggles,” she explains.

Another testament to community support is the Door of Life Food Pantry in Sister Bay. They operate on an honor system, allowing visitors to quietly take items whenever needed. Heidi Penchoff, the pantry manager, shares that many are well-known in the community. “They built Door County,” she reflects sadly, recognizing their struggles.

Many pantry users fall into the ALICE category—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. United Way of Door County notes that 25% of households fit this profile, often working multiple jobs but still unable to afford basic living costs.

Rising food prices add to the strain. In the Midwest, grocery costs rose by 2-3% from June 2024 to June 2025. Additionally, Door County grocery prices tend to be 10% higher than the national average. Combined with a higher cost of living and lower income levels, many families struggle.

As Penchoff says, “People are hurting.” Other pantries are seeing the same trends. Edee Madsen, co-founder of Klaud’s Food Pantry, emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “People are just one crisis away from being homeless.”

Lakeshore CAP, Door County’s largest food pantry, reported a 34% increase in users from 2019 to 2024. The pantry offers assistance to those earning 200% or less of the federal poverty level.

Federal funding cuts are a looming threat. The Door County Food Pantry Coalition has voiced concerns about cuts to local assistance programs, which could disrupt vital resources. In June, they reported a loss of over $7 million in funding for food assistance in Wisconsin.

Despite these challenges, local pantries are united in their mission. They share resources and ideas to better serve the community. The coalition has distributed over $432,000 since 2020, showcasing the strength of collaboration.

Community support remains a lifeline for these pantries. “One call and I have what I need,” Penchoff notes, highlighting the generosity of their neighbors.

In a nutshell, Door County’s food pantries are crucial in the fight against hunger. As needs keep growing, community support and collaboration are more important than ever. If you want to learn more or lend a helping hand, resources are available at the Door County Community Foundation.

Each pantry plays a role in this vital network, demonstrating the power of local compassion. Together, they work to ensure no one goes hungry in Door County.

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