In a heartwarming initiative to address food insecurity, the Nekoosa School District has launched a new Food Pantry, thanks to the efforts of an AmeriCorps member and the support of the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) grant. This project is a lifeline for many children and families in the community, ensuring they have access to essential food resources.

A Community United Against Hunger

The Food Pantry is part of the broader "Feeding the Whole Child, Whole Family, and Whole Community through Civic Engagement" initiative, supported by the WPP grant awarded to the Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Health Advancement (CCHA). This initiative focuses on the four pillars of food security: availability, access, knowledge, and stability of diet.

Engaging the Community

The Nekoosa School District has seen significant community engagement through various food drives. Middle school grades participated in a friendly competition, collecting hundreds of items in donations. A similar food drive at the high school also contributed to the pantry's stock. These efforts highlight the community's commitment to supporting one another and ensuring the pantry remains well-stocked.

Monthly Food Packages and Additional Services

The Food Pantry offers free monthly food packages for families, which include resource guides, recipes, and a list of upcoming events in the Nekoosa area. This initiative not only provides essential food items but also helps families stay connected and engaged in their community. For those without transportation, the pantry is working on providing delivery services to ensure everyone has access to these resources.

Families interested in receiving food packages can fill out an application, after which a program representative will contact them to confirm their information and schedule a pick-up or delivery. While the pantry is still determining its capacity, any additional families will be placed on a waitlist until they can be accommodated.

Looking Ahead

The Nekoosa School District is dedicated to combating food insecurity and supporting the health and well-being of its community. As the Food Pantry grows, the district looks forward to expanding its efforts and continuing to make a positive impact.

For more information about the Nekoosa School District Food Pantry or to make a donation, please contact Nikki Stearns. To listen to the accompanying podcast episode visit the Beyond the Bell with WOSTA podcast.