Local Food Pantries See Dramatic Spike in Demand

The record-long government shutdown, which has impacted SNAP benefits, is causing more area families to seek help in finding food. KFIZ spoke with several local pantries and all of them say demand for their services has greatly increased. That includes the Fondy Food Pantry, Salvation Army of Fond du Lac, Holy Family Catholic Community, and Broken Bread. Captain Christina Champlain at the Salvation Army says they’ve seen 100 more families this month compared to last month, which adds up to about 300 more individuals.

All of the pantries are seeking donations of non-perishable goods as well as financial contributions to help keep the shelves stocked.

Below is more information about each pantry.

Fondy Food Pantry

https://www.fondyfoodpantry.org

Walk-In Pantry Distribution Hours

Mondays 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursdays 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

The parking lot closes 15 minutes prior to the end of each session.

Salvation Army of Fond du Lac

https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/wi/fond-du-lac/north-macy-street-corps/food-assistance

BIG Indoor Pantry

Our food pantry in Fond du Lac stocks not only fresh and shelf-stable groceries, but also essentials like personal care items and cleaning supplies – things SNAP/Quest cards don’t cover. These necessities are crucial for maintaining dignity and health.

Pantry Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Summer Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Families may visit once every 30 days. Food quantities vary by household size and pantry resources.

LITTLE Pantry – Always Open

For after-hours needs, our outdoor LITTLE Pantry provides shelf-stable food on weekends and holidays. This 24/7 option was inspired by the Hope on the Block initiative, made possible by community partners like The Tighe Family and Taycheedah Correctional Institution.

Holy Family Catholic Community

https://www.hffdl.org/areas_of_ministry/human-concerns/bites

Holy Family Catholic Community’s Meal-to-Go program Blessed Bites will serve meals at the Holy Family Warming Shelter, 73 E. First St., every Tuesday from 4:00 to 4:30 pm – or until meals are gone. 

The to-go meals are available for anyone who is in need. Those who are seeking a meal are asked to enter via the entrance facing the parking lot and bring something to carry their items in.

If you would like to learn more about the program or how to donate, please contact the Parish Office at (920) 921-0580.

Broken Bread

https://www.fdlcathedral.org/bbfp

Broken Bread Food Pantry, situated close to downtown Fond du Lac, has been operating for since 1992. Each Friday, from 1-5 p.m., it serves 600-700 individuals

Hope on the Block

https://www.hopeontheblockfdl.com

Hope on the Block serves our community by providing essential items and resources at no cost to those in need. Our community pantries are accessible 24/7 throughout the year, ensuring that individuals can find support whenever they need it. We also offer a free meal-to-go and hygiene supplies every Friday evening in Fond du Lac, as well as manage the Hamilton Park Community Gardens.

We launched our first pantry in front of the Fond du Lac Public Library in August 2022, and in October 2024 moved to our current location at Advocap. In May 2023, with the support of the Leadership Fond du Lac Team Hope, we expanded our reach by opening two additional pantries in North Fond du Lac and Ripon.

Our pantries are stocked with a variety of essential items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, shampoo and conditioner, hand sanitizer, non-perishable food, water, and more. These resources aim to alleviate some of the burdens faced by community members.