Advice from Pantry Managers
Do you see an unmet need in your community? Have you thought about starting a food pantry in your neighborhood?
Whether you’re just considering the idea or you’re already making plans, here are some tips from managers who have years of food pantry experience.
Get organized.
“My number one suggestion is to get organized first. Organize a board of directors. Decide who is going to do what. And then recruit your volunteers.” – Waupaca Area Food Pantry
Think about your location and building capacity.
“Part of it is location – you have to think about how people are going to get to you. Can people get to you? If they can’t get to you, will you be able to get to them? How? How often are you going to be open? Think about the space as well. If you’re going to buy a big old building, you have to figure out how much the electric bill is going to cost. Think of your storage space. How much fridge and freezer space will you have?” -Full Shelf Food Pantry, West Bend
Partner with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
“You might not need a whole lot of space, but you do need a really good food partner.” – Ebenezer Stone Ministries, Milwaukee
“You need to partner with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. You can get a lot of food from them of all varieties. You will not have to worry about running out.” – Waupaca Area Food Pantry
“You want to make sure you’re giving out well-rounded food packages to make sure they have good protein and carbs that can last a while and feed multiple people.” Fond du Lac Salvation Army
“[Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin] made money available for us through grants so that we could get more shelving and freezer space.” -Open Hearts Food Pantry, Merrill
“Always ask questions. I can always call [Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin] and ask a question without wondering if someone’s going to answer or not.” -Midwest Indian Mission Food Pantry, Crandon
Partner with your community.
“Get connected in the community. Community groups, civic organizations, and churches are going to help support financially or help organize food drives. We work with The Rotary Club, The Lions Club, The Salvation Army, The YMCA, and others.” – Saukville Community Pantry
Get the word out.
“Utilize social media to tell people who you are, where you are, and what you do.” – Saukville Community Food Pantry
Build guest relationships.
“You should make sure the guests are taken care of. Sometimes when you start talking to them, you hear that somebody just needs a pair of shoes or somebody just needs to make a phone call because they have an appointment later. There are some things that they can’t do all on their own and they just need a little bit of help. And sometimes, people just want to say ‘Hi!’ They just want to be asked how they’re doing.” – The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin
“The people that come here for breakfast are usually homeless or near homeless and they spend a lot of time by themselves, so they are just so happy to sit and have a cup of coffee and talk with someone. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t ask for help. So, it’s nice to socialize with them, and then they can open up.” – Grace Welcome Center, Kenosha
“Engage with the people who are coming into the pantry. Treat people with respect.. with love and generosity.” Ebenezer Stone Ministries, Milwaukee
Celebrate and appreciate your volunteers and staff.
“You have to appreciate your volunteers. Last year we had a volunteer appreciation dinner; people really enjoyed it!” Peshtigo Food Pantry
Learn from other leaders.
“Watch someone nearby that is doing it well and who has a heart to serve. Go volunteer at their pantry. Watch how they do it, and pick their brain. And listen! If you want to do something, and you want to do it great, go watch someone who already does it well. Learn from their mistakes, so you don’t have to make as many. One quote that my husband and I like to use is this: ‘If you’re leading but nobody is following, you’re just going for a walk.’” – Joseph’s Hope Food Pantry, Plainfield
Learn more about becoming a Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Network partner here.
To connect with an experienced pantry manager, find a pantry near you.
