WAUPUN — Local business leaders met with members of the Waupun Food Pantry Tuesday morning to discuss their mission and how local businesses can support the Food Pantry as it expands over the next year.
The occasion for the meeting was the establishment of a capital campaign to help meet upcoming expenses. They have currently raised just over $54,000, with a total goal of $125,000.
Notably in attendance were Mark Homan of Homan Auto and Marty Kohler of Piggly Wiggly. Werner-Harmsen was also committing to a contribution, but was not in attendance. There were two other donors contributing to the campaign who wished to remain unnamed.
The main thrust of the capital campaign is to cover costs as the Food Pantry moves into the new Senior/Community Center which broke ground last September. The Food Pantry is currently located on Mill Street, but will move into the Senior/Community Center building when it’s completed this fall.
The move provides a massive opportunity for the Food Pantry to reorganize and upgrade equipment through the move. And the support from local businesses will help keep the pantry stocked, rent paid, and get equipment upgraded.
According to Respalje, rent for the new building will be about three times as much as they pay for the current building—but it will provide about two or three times as much space for operations and storage. The new space will also allow them to keep everything on the same floor instead of the current basement where the clothing and some storage is located—which is difficult for older and overweight residents to access.
One of the other large expenses they’re looking at is replacing the large freezers. Some of their old freezers don’t seal properly which can become a problem for items like meat and dairy.
Piggly Wiggly primarily contributes canned goods and bakery items to the pantry, and now with the capital campaign they will be contributing an undisclosed amount which will be matched by other organizations.
Homan Auto, Werner-Harmsen, and other organizations will be making similar contributions, but also did not make the amounts public.
Along with nonperishable foods, the Food Pantry also carries meats from Brandon Meats, and provides baby formula and diapers, some kitchenware and home goods, and a small selection for children’s Christmas and birthday gift assistance. They also have a large selection of both adult and children’s clothing in the basement collected through donations from the community.
The Food Pantry also works with hosting meals at the Community Table next door every Friday.
Those interested in contributing to the campaign can contact the Waupun Food Pantry through their Facebook, email, or send a check to their address with “Capital Campaign” written on the memo line.
