The Emergency Food Assistance Program says food cuts coming for pantries in April

The Emergency Food Assistance Program, the main supplier local pantries count on for staples as canned goods, meat, and some dairy products issued notice that April’s allotments will be drastically cut.

The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac operates an indoor pantry 3 days a week and an outdoor “grab and go pantry” from their Community Corps Center location at 237. N. Macy St. On average, 1,302 individuals count on the pantry each month. Millie Summers who oversees the pantry programming at The Salvation Army noted, “Where we typically receive between 5,000 – 6,000 pounds of monthly commodities, we will receive less than 1000 lbs. in April.” 

This comes on the heels of a pantry conducted by The Salvation Army asking clients a variety of questions about customer service and the availability and quality of products they need from the pantry.  

This shortage creates a major challenge in meeting the needs of those who count on pantries to offset their food insecurity. Summers shares that the Salvation Army is pursuing additional resources to fill the gap left by reduced commodity shipments. 

The community is encouraged to donate the nonperishable canned: soup, vegetables, pasta sauce, and meat.  Financial contributions to help purchase essential items can be directed to The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac, 237 N. Macy Street, Fond du Lac WI 54935.

Pizza Ranch is conducting a food drive at their 1235 W. Johnson Fond du Lac location for The Salvation Army Food Pantry thru April 6.  Every donation made to the “FULL COURT PRESS” collection gets a spin for prizes on their prize wheel. 

“Hearing directly from individuals and families how much the pantry means to them – and how welcome and respected they feel- serves as a reminder of why we do this work and the impact we can have. Every bit of support helps ensure we can continue serving those who rely on us,” Summers finishes.