Waushara County Food Pantries work hard to address the rising issue of food insecurity in our area. The need for support will only increase as the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be issued as of November 1, due to the federal government shutdown persisting. It has since been announced that the benefits will be restarted with the use of emergency funds, but payments will still be delayed.
This impacts approximately 700,000 Wisconsin residents who access this food assistance. Food pantries across Waushara County are there to serve those in need.
Waushara County Food Pantry, Inc
Waushara County Food Pantry, Inc. is a separate non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the Waushara County government. They are the only food pantry in Waushara County that serves all county residents, which is why “Waushara County” is part of its name. The pantry is supported entirely through monetary and food donations received from the community and a variety of grants.
Households receive food once each month. Drive-through food distribution takes place on Fridays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Pantry guests are greeted at the check-in window to confirm registration information or register for the first time. The pantry works with a University of Wisconsin FoodWise nutritionist to develop monthly menus that follow MyPlate nutritional standards. These standards provide healthy, well-balanced meal options. Families receive a combination of shelf-stable, fresh, and frozen foods based on family size and remain in their vehicle while volunteers place food in the trunk of their car.
Saxeville Food Pantry
Saxeville Community Church strives to meet the physical needs of our community. Even with only 27 members, they have been able to help feed residents from the Saxeville, Wild Rose, and other rural communities.
The pantry has grown so much that the need for a new space was evident. In April of 2024, they welcomed patrons into their new facility.
Saxeville Food Pantry is open for indoor shopping on the first Saturday of every month from 9 to 10 a.m. Patrons can come in and “shop” for what they need, giving you the flexibility to choose what you need.
Along with monthly distributions, Saxeville Pantry also provides meals to Wild Rose students through their Backpack Program. Each week, volunteers will fill 42 backpacks full of 2-3 meals and snacks they can eat over the weekend when school lunch is not an option. This program is extended to students of all grade levels in the Wild Rose School District.
First Congregational UCC Food Pantry
First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) Food Pantry of Redgranite serves those in need entirely from the support of generous donations and volunteers. The pantry serves anyone in need, with a sign-in being required. The pantry provides food along with clothing and some household items.
The pantry is entirely donation-based, with 100% of funding coming from donations. No federal, state, or county tax money is received. The pantry is also completely volunteer-run and is always welcoming those interested in lending a helping hand.
First Congregational UCC Food Pantry typically operates the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Variations from this schedule only occur in limited circumstances, such as Wednesday falling on a holiday. If you are unsure of the hours, you can verify them through the church’s website calendar or by calling the church and listening to the recorded answering machine message.
Distribution times: First and third Wednesday of the month from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Joseph Hope Food Pantry
Joseph Hope Community Food Pantry was established under A Ministry of New Life Church in Plainfield with the mission to love, serve, and assist community members in need.
Joseph Hope supports individuals and families residing in the Plainfield, Hancock, Almond, and Bancroft communities. The pantry aims to help those in the community who are struggling with food insecurity.
Poy Sippi Community Food Pantry
The completely volunteer-run Poy Sippi Community Food Pantry assists our smaller townships in need. They serve five townships, including Auroraville, Leon, Saxeville, Poy Sippi, and Bloomfield.
The Poy Sippi Food Pantry distributes on the first Friday of the month. Morning distribution times are 9 to 10:30 a.m., and afternoon times are 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Funding for the pantry comes from generous members of the community and local churches. A winter bingo fundraising event was hosted in Berlin to support the pantry. Other local events and organizations also help chip in to keep the pantry open.
Those visiting the pantry will receive about $70 worth of groceries. Each customer receives a one-pound bag of meat, along with the basics of milk, bread, and eggs (when available).
The pantry is mostly looking for donations of cereal, noodles, and applesauce. Any monetary donations are also greatly appreciated. Your support helps assist neighbors in need.
Distribution times: First Friday of the month, 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: First Lutheran Church
W2314 Prospect St., Poy Sippi
Back entrance, on the corner of Poplar & Prospect
Contact: 920-987-5151
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