Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Trusted Way to Support Local Families Facing Hunger

Nov 12, 2025 | General, Growing Our Communities, News & Events

When families in our community face hunger, they turn to their neighbors and now there’s a simple way to help. The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has launched a local giving website that connects generosity directly to the organizations feeding Waushara and Portage County residents every day.

Partnering to Support Local Families

In Portage County, the Community Foundation and the United Way of Portage County are joining forces to make it easier for caring neighbors to support one another during difficult times. In Waushara County, the Community Foundation partnered with the Waushara Prevention Council to ensure key food pantries were included.  

8.5% of our Neighbors Rely on FoodShare

  • 2,817 Waushara County residents relied on FoodShare in Sept. 2025
  • 5,753 Portage County residents relied on FoodShare in Sept. 2025

Pantry leaders report growing visits as families stretch budgets heading into winter. Every delay in support makes a difference in households already struggling.

“We’re seeing more new faces every week. People who never imagined they’d need help are walking through our doors.” – Mel Dow, Interfaith Food Pantry

Give Locally. Every Dollar Stays Here.

Hosted on the Community Foundation’s website, donations help stock pantry shelves and provide grocery cards to families in need.

Portage County Partners:

  • Interfaith Food Pantry
  • Operation Bootstrap
  • Mobile Food Pantry – Partners HP
  • New Hope Community Church – Bread of Life Food Pantry
  • Rosholt Food Pantry
  • St. Joseph’s Parish Food Pantry
  • St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry
  • Tomorrow River Area Community Kitchen Food Pantry
  • Woodlands Church Backpacks 4 Hope
  • Community Thrift Store

Waushara County Partners:

  • First Congregational UCC
  • Joseph Hope Food Pantry
  • Poy Sippi Community Food Pantry
  • Saxeville Food Pantry (Saxeville Community Church)
  • Waushara County Food Pantry

If you have any questions about how to strengthen local food support, please contact Jenny Riggenbach at jenny@cfcwi.org.

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