On August 20th Ruby’s Pantry will celebrate their second anniversary in Waupaca. John Roe is the Northeast Wisconsin Distribution Coordinator for Ruby’s Pantry which is part of Home and Away Ministries, Inc. of North Branch, MN. “Waupaca has responded enthusiastically to Ruby’s Pantry. Each month we have been having nearly 150 families coming to the distribution. Equally important we have approximately 50 volunteers that come each time to make it happen.” says Mr. Roe. Home and Away Ministries started Ruby’s Pantry eight years ago by handing out a few boxes of groceries to families in need in Pine City, MN. Since that time they have grown into a major food ministry holding 30 distributions per month in different communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Over 600,000 pounds of food are distributed each month to over 6,000 families. Each family gives a $15 donation to offset the expenses of the trucking and warehousing of the food and in return receives two boxes or laundry baskets full of food. The registration process is very simple and families do not need to bring proof of residency or income verification. If a family is in need they are welcome to participate. Many come to get food for family members or neighbors that would not be able to get the food themselves. Ruby’s Pantry does a food distribution on the third Saturday of each month out of their distribution center located at 138 S Oborn St. Registration starts at 8am and the distribution starts at 9am. For more information go to rubyspantry.org or call John Roe at 715-595-3141.
