Rising costs, increasing needs

Challenges facing New London food pantry

By John Faucher

The Washington Center Community Cupboard Food Pantry is issuing an appeal to local businesses and clubs requesting donations.

The non-profit 501c3 organization has seen a sharp increase in demand for its services.

The pantry has more than doubled the number of families it serves over the last five years.

“Currently we are serving more than 350 people, or 150 family units on a monthly basis,” said Laurie Shaw, Washington Center Community Cupboard Committee member.

“We believe this number will continue to grow as the hardship of inflation and rising food costs continue.”

The food pantry operates within donated space at the Washington Center.

An operations committee oversees administrative tasks and helps coordinate the all-volunteer staff at the food pantry.

The program is funded entirely through donations.

Community support

Shaw said they are thankful the community already provides strong support through multiple food drives and donations of food throughout the year however, the pantry still spends roughly $3200 monthly to purchase perishable food items needed at the pantry such as milk, eggs, butter, cheese, meat, bread, lettuce, fruits and vegetables.

Shaw said recent grant monies have helped the pantry increase space, purchase a walk-in freezer, and improve systems but, the grant monies cannot be used to purchase food.

“That’s the thing we need the most right now,” said Shaw.

She also said this is the time of year that donations tend to slow down.

“So we’re hoping our letter will help spur on some thought.”

The letter asks donors to consider supporting the food pantry by donating funds on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.

Monetary donations can be sent to The Washington Center Community Cupboard at 107 E. Beckert Road, New London, WI 54961.

Shaw said that while cash donations would be super, food drives or challenges in the community could be fun and creative way to help the pantry.

For more information on services, an emergent need, or the process of leaving food donations please call and leave a message at 920-982-9290.
The Washington Center Community Cupboard located at 600 W. Washington St. in New London.

The community cupboard is open from 8 a.m. to noon and from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays.