Demand high for local food banks
 No comments posted.
By CANDICE NOVITZKE mailto:candice.novitzke@lee.net
Wednesday, November 21, 2007 9:33 AM CST
Food banks in Chippewa County, like those around the United States, are seeing an increased demand for food this year, especially among working people.
Though the high demand is leading to food shortages in many parts of the country, local food pantries are keeping up with demand due to policy changes and a steady stream of community support.
“There’s a lack of employment, there’s an increase in the cost of gasoline, and food costs more,” said Jean Carlson, who has been working with the Cadott Area Food Pantry for nine of its 12 years of operation. “We are definitely seeing an increase in need.”
A restructuring of policies has likely led to a surge in people frequenting locations in Cadott, Bloomer, Cornell, Holcombe, Stanley — and since September, Jim Falls.
The Salvation Army Food Pantry in Chippewa Falls restricted its service area to those who live within the Chippewa Falls Area United School District boundary.
“We had so many people coming in here,” said Amanda Pickl, a food pantry case manager in Chippewa Falls. “We couldn’t keep shelves filled with food.”
People who once traveled to Chippewa Falls for food are now required to obtain it from a food pantry in their school district. Luckily, there are food pantries spread throughout the county.
The new policy accounts for an increased need in outlying communities, and there has not been a dropoff in the number of people the Chippewa Falls serves.
“I have at least three or more new families every day,” Pickl said, explaining she believes some of the increase is due to the holiday season.
Around 50 families were served Monday and before noon on Tuesday. To meet demand, the food pantry relies on sizeable contributions made regularly by local businesses, because government contributions have dropped sharply.
“We’re doing pretty good on food right now. A big one for us is Gordy’s Stuff-A-Truck program, which just made a big donation,” Pickl said.
“The other big one is the postal food drive, but we also depend on churches and other service groups.”
The Jim Falls Food Pantry was started by a small group of residents who learned of an increased demand in the area.
Candice Scheidecker was happy to get the ball rolling on the project. It’s now open the second and fourth Wednesdays every month in the Jim Falls United Methodist Church and serves about 12 families.
“It’s not that these families are not working or trying,” Scheidecker said. “Some have just gotten laid off, or can’t work due to injury. They’re doing everything in their power, and it’s just not enough.
“One elderly gentleman, who gets a minimal amount of food from the pantry, was asking me about other programs, because once he paid his rent, his money was gone for the month. There was no money for food, electric or his medication,” she said.
Carlson is glad food pantries in smaller towns can be utilized by those in need.
“Some of these people walk to the food pantry because they don’t have automobiles,” she said.
Last Friday, 26 families utilized the services of the Cadott Area Food Pantry, which serves about 45 families on a regular basis.
“We are blessed with full shelves,” Carlson said. “We get donations from schools, scouts, the Lions Club, churches, you name it.”
Though demands are being met right at the moment, that shouldn’t stop anyone from contributing. Supplies won’t stay strong for long.
“Once January and February hit, it’s going to be tough again,” Pickl said.
|
Archives