In 2023, the combination of high inflation and reduced government support has hit Sheboygan County families hard, making it difficult for many to put food on the table. In fact, our latest food distribution data reveals that an average of 5,135 families were served through our Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry and network of partner organizations every month this year so far – a staggering 57% increase from 2022.
The good news is that despite challenges out of our control, together, we can continue to make a difference for our neighbors who are facing hunger.
Recently, we met an inspiring grandmother named Carol who’s raising her two growing teenage grandsons on a fixed income. From her experience volunteering for a local organization that provides essentials to children in foster care, she explained how there are many grandparents in Sheboygan who have taken on the unexpected responsibility of bringing their grandchildren into their home. Carol is burdened with buying clothes, shoes and school supplies, and covering the costs that come with being enrolled in sports. She also sees the trauma of hunger through her youngest grandson who regularly hoards food under his bed as a result of his past, unstable living situations.
While more than happy to be there for her boys and smiling at any mention of them, Carol shared how she was deeply grateful that Sheboygan County Food Bank exists.
“I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to make the food stretch from one week to the next. It’s a good feeling to say to my grandsons, ‘Eat until you’re full.’ Without the food bank, I wouldn’t be able to do that.” – Carol
As we head into the holiday season and 2024, we would greatly appreciate your support so we can keep working hard to make sure that nutritious food and peace of mind reaches families like Carol and her grandsons. Please consider donating online or mailing gifts to our location: 3115 N. 21st Street, Suite 1, Sheboygan, WI 53083.
Interested in giving other ways? Here’s a few ideas:
- Visit Making Spirits Bright and donate non-perishable, unexpired food. With the community’s support, Making Spirits Bright is on track to collect over 1 million pounds of food donations for us during its 2023 season! The annual drive-through holiday lights show in Evergreen Park will be open Nov. 24 – Dec. 31 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (closed on Dec. 24).
- Sign up to volunteer. We have a handful of volunteer opportunities to choose from, including helping to collect and transport food donated by visitors at Making Spirits Bright, and other ongoing opportunities where you can directly serve our neighbors.
- Register to host a food drive. Food drives are especially helpful for us as inflation continues to drive up food prices. We’re happy to provide a food collection box and help you organize all the details.
Thank you for thinking of our neighbors who are thankful for your compassion, kindness and support during their times of need.
