Jackie Church, of Bowler, has been using the Shawano Area Food Pantry and Resource Center off and on for four years to help feed her household of seven people.
“I come when I need to,” Church said. “I don’t come if I don’t need to come. I think the people here are great, and it’s good that it’s open to Shawano County residents.”
For 10 years since the food pantry opened its doors, a dedicated coordinator and loyal volunteers have helped many, many people.
“I think we’re doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing,” said Flo Withers, pantry coordinator. “We’re helping ‘til they get on their feet.”
From 9-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, volunteers help pantry shoppers. Even before the center opens, volunteers are putting food on shelves, breaking down and bagging bigger amounts of food, and stocking coolers and freezers.
What was deemed necessary in fall 2003 is still very viable today.
The center served about 15 people a day when it opened and now sees up to 300 clients a month.
In October, there were 783 visits from 532 households, which helped 1,457 adults and 795 children. There were 46 new registrations.
“Boy, does that make us jump,” Withers said.
Withers said the 34 volunteers are trustworthy and hard workers. It‘s difficult for her to put into words her admiration for them.
“They are so loyal,” she said. “They change plans to come here. People will give donations to them and trust it to get to the food pantry, and it does. It’s the neat part about it.”
Mary Strand has been volunteering at the pantry for two years.
“It makes you feel good and it’s great to volunteer and contribute to help people,” Strand said.
People can use the pantry every two weeks. When they first register, they must bring in proof that they live in Shawano County.
Withers said they help all ages.
“Many elderly use the food pantry because of limited income,” she said.
A 12-person board oversees the center’s operation and approves any expenses. The Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul Society have offices in the same building and help pay the utility bills.
The Resale Store behind SAFPARC is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Monday through Friday. Proceeds from the sale of donated household items all go to the food pantry.
“One hundred percent of what comes in to the pantry goes to expenses, no one is paid or reimbursed,” Withers said.
The food pantry gets surplus food from the Department of Agriculture and Feeding America/ Shawano Area Food Center. Locally, they get bakery products from Bult’s Bakery and Pick ‘N Save, along with food from Aldi’s and Charlie’s County Market.
Withers said every school in town does a food drive. Throughout the year there are food drives from the Scouts, the post office and other organizations.
“Our shelves are full right now because of donations,” she said.
Withers has been the food pantry coordinator from the start. The volunteers credit her with making the pantry run efficiently and successfully.
“If I wasn’t doing this I’d be sitting at home,” Withers said. “It keeps me moving.”
For more information, call 715-524-5863.
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