Letter from the Chief Development Officer

Food insecurity rates have hit a 10-year high, and that means a growing number of older neighbors are facing hunger. Recent cuts to Medicaid and interruptions to FoodShare benefits have created another layer of hardship, putting an extra squeeze on many household budgets.

This is especially true for older neighbors living on fixed incomes. Every day can bring impossible decisions. Should they purchase the medications they need to stay well or buy groceries for the week

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"Everyone's Welcome Here"

For Sharon Furman of Oshkosh, the pantry she visits twice a week is about more than food — it’s a place of comfort, consistency, and connection.

“This means a lot. It helps me out a lot,” Sharon says. She’s retired and living on Social Security, and though she’s not working, she’s found purpose in showing up and spending time with others. “I also like to come here to meet friends and talk,” she explains.

Sharon has been coming to the pantry for two or three years now. She doesn’t visit any other pantries. “A lot of people are embarrassed to come here, but I said you shouldn’t be.

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"It's the Only Way I'm Going to Get Food"

For Wayne, the difference between empty shelves and dinner? This pantry.

“I’ve been coming here several years,” he says. “Got to be more than eight years, almost when it started.”

Like many older adults in Eastern Wisconsin, Wayne lives on a fixed pension. And nearly every dollar goes toward basic expenses. “My pension check goes for bills,” he explains. “[This pantry is] the only way I’m going to get food.”

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One Visit, Big Impact

This was Pat’s first time visiting her local food pantry — and while she wasn’t quite sure what to expect, she left feeling grateful.

“A friend told me about it,” Pat explains. “That I could come here and maybe get extra stuff for my family.”

Pat is retired and no longer working. Living on a fixed income, she’s feeling the squeeze. Prices at the grocery store have crept higher, and her budget hasn’t kept pace. The pantry helps provide extra breathing room.

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Behind the Shelves

Every Thursday, Dave shows up to manage the supply side of his local food pantry in Door County. And every Thursday, Dana is right there too — helping families choose meats, bread, and canned goods with care.

Together, they make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly — and that each visitor gets what they need.

“I basically manage the supply side of the food pantry,” says Dave. “That means receiving and organizing food that comes from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, donations from food drives, or picking up from the grocery stores and Kwik Trips here in Sturgeon Bay.”

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