A Full Shelf for West Bend Seniors
Tuesday is senior day at Full Shelf Food Pantry in West Bend, where the volunteers are passionate about getting food to their elderly neighbors.
Full Shelf is completely run by dedicated volunteers — more than 240 every month!
Not even a pandemic could keep these faithful folks from serving. During COVID-19, the volunteers separated into two groups that worked on a rotation. If an infection broke out amongst one group, the other group could keep food flowing through the pantry and into the hands of those who need it.
Full Shelf’s primary goal is to reach the senior population in West Bend. Many seniors were concerned about not being able to visit the pantry anymore because it was sometimes crowded. With equipment like walkers, wheelchairs, and breathing machines, it can be hard to navigate through the pantry and get food to their cars.
In response, Full Shelf adjusted its hours to meet the seniors’ needs, and volunteers are available to assist people who come in. While still allowing seniors the ability and dignity to pick their own food, volunteers are ready to help as needed.
One volunteer noted that many of the seniors visit the pantry just to interact: “A lot of them just want to talk! So sometimes we just spend time chatting with people.”
Throughout the month, several volunteers work with Interfaith Caregivers to get food to homebound seniors. They take food boxes and extra bakery items to seniors in their homes.
“They absolutely love everything we bring them and it is helping them out so much,” says a volunteer. “It helps them out not only financially, but they also don’t have to go out to the store and be in crowds of people.”
Tri City National Bank has offered to match all gifts to fight senior hunger, up to $10,000, throughout March, donate here.
