In Door County, the Lakeshore CAP Food Pantry has become a vital source of support for many families. So far this year, nearly 2,000 individuals have turned to the pantry for help, reflecting the growing need in the community. However, recent federal funding cuts threaten to significantly reduce the pantry’s resources.
Dan Hirthe, a local retiree, has been relying on the Lakeshore CAP Food Pantry for over a year. For him, it’s more than just a place to get food; it’s a crucial support system. “Towards the end of the month, it gets real tight," Hirthe shares, expressing how the pantry helps him manage during difficult financial times.
The pantry is facing serious challenges as it anticipates a 50% reduction in food allocations from the Emergency Food Assistance Program, possibly starting as soon as April. Sandi Soik, the Director of the pantry, notes that they are already experiencing a 20% drop in supplies. If the cuts happen, it could lead to a loss of around 33,000 pounds of food each month. “Some shipments from June to September have already been canceled,” Soik explains, hinting at the dire situation ahead.
Last year, the pantry served over 6,000 people and distributed around 69,000 pounds of food. This year, as living costs rise, they expect the number of those in need to exceed 7,600. “We’ve already helped 1,900 people this year,” Soik reports, emphasizing that demand is only going to grow.
Deb Sherwood, a volunteer with the pantry, believes that access to food is a fundamental right. “Everyone should have the basic need to eat," she says. In light of the expected cuts, volunteers are preparing to stretch resources to ensure fairness. “We’re trying to give at least a little to everyone,” she adds.
The community’s support is more crucial now than ever. Even small donations, like an extra can of beans, could help those facing food insecurity. As the pantry braces for tough times ahead, it’s a reminder that collective action can make a difference in the lives of neighbors who need it the most.
Recent statistics highlight the broader trend of rising food insecurity in America. According to the USDA, in 2021, more than 10% of households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year, indicating that the issue is widespread and far from resolved. As communities face these challenges, local organizations like Lakeshore CAP are essential in helping those struggling to put food on the table.
For more information on food security initiatives, you can visit the USDA’s Economic Research Service here.
Check out this related article: Meet the 14-Year-Old Baking Sensation Who’s Now the Youngest Food Vendor at Mall of America!
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