Building Hope in Plainfield, WI
Joseph’s Hope Food Pantry, in the rural Wisconsin town of Plainfield, saw their guest count not only double, but nearly triple at the beginning of the pandemic. They were quickly outgrowing the basement of New Life Church, so they began to make plans for a new building.
Not even two years later, the final touches were put on the 1800 square foot building on December 24th, 2021. Tammy Wright, Pantry Administrator, called it “a Christmas miracle.” While it may have been below zero on their opening day in January, that did not dissuade volunteers from bundling up in their snow gear to get food to their neighbors. That first day they served 275 families.
“Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has been amazing,” says Tammy. “We still pinch ourselves and we are so grateful that we are able to order all of the food that we do. We are so grateful for this partnership.”
With more space to store and distribute food, they now have the capacity to reach people that were not being served before. “72% of people in this county live under the national poverty line, and so many seniors are living on a fixed income,” explains Tammy. “Even before the pandemic, we knew we could be doing so much more.” While the pantry is in Waushara County, it also sits on the edge of Wood, Portage, and Adams Counties, where pantries may not be in close proximity to those in need.
“Now with this new building, the community sees that we’re an anchor here and that we are going to be part of the solution.”
Tammy has a heart to serve, but that also comes from personal experience. “I had a single mom, and I know how tough it is to make ends meet. I love knowing that kids are not going hungry.”
Tough times can sneak up on anyone and any family. Tammy, along with everyone at Joseph’s Hope Food Pantry, is committed to loving people through whatever difficulties they are facing.
Support more pantries like this one, so that together we can reach those who need our help.
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