Urgent Appeal: Door County Food Pantries Face Critical Shortages Amid Funding and Donation Delays

Food pantries nationwide are feeling the squeeze from cuts to government funding for food banks. In Door County, local pantries are working tirelessly to gather donations to keep food on the tables of those in need.

The Washington Island Community Health Program Food Pantry (WICHP) is one such organization affected by changes in federal support. Funded through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), WICHP relies on USDA Community Foods, distributed once a month. Pantry co-manager Dan Westbrook explains the challenges they face. “We’ve seen a decrease in our supplies. Although we serve fewer people, we’re making up for it with local donations, both food and cash. We use those funds to buy groceries from the local store.”

While the pantry still serves the same number of clients, the variety and quantity of food received have dwindled. Westbrook notes a significant drop in protein options like fish, pork, and chicken from the USDA. “We used to rely on them for these staples.”

Meanwhile, in Sturgeon Bay, the Feed and Clothe My People pantry is also grappling with fewer donations. Though they aren’t directly impacted by government funding, coordinator Ashley Madson sees rising demand alongside dwindling supplies. “We’ve noticed donations, including cash, going down. With summer and kids out of school, I expect we’ll feel the pinch even more.”

She anticipates continued shortages, especially since cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and delays in the WIC Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program will affect families. “We’re committed to helping as many people as we can,” she says.

Efforts to support local pantries are crucial. According to Feeding America, food insecurity affects 1 in 10 people in the U.S., and the need is increasing. Essential items include perishables like meat, dairy, and fresh produce.

As communities come together to support one another, every effort counts in ensuring that families can access the food they need.

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