PESHTIGO – The Peshtigo Food Pantry was founded in response to a growing need within the community for reliable access to nutritious food and basic necessities.
This April, the food pantry will celebrate 20 years of commitment to “putting a fork in hunger” through the support and generosity of those in Peshtigo and the surrounding areas.
The pantry was envisioned in 1992 when St. Mary’s Catholic Church realized that there were members of their parish in need of assistance to provide food for their families.
By 1998, the pantry became a community-based organization and relocated to a more localized facility.
In 2006 — with the help of several community-minded citizens and local businesses — the pantry was reorganized, incorporated and moved to 240 McCagg St. The lease given by BPM Inc. allowed those running the food pantry to continue their efforts to build a place for individuals and families in need.
The total cost of the lease in 2006 was $1 per month, an amount that remained in place long after. BPM also covers the cost of all utilities and all building maintenance expenses.
Since then, the pantry has grown thanks to the dedication of community members.
Cathy Miles has served as the pantry director since 2016, when a friend encouraged her to volunteer following her retirement.
As the pantry director, Miles supports operations beyond distribution days. She compiles monthly statistics, submits reports to Feeding America and Hunger Task Force, submits daily orders for free and reduced food and then identifies gaps where necessities need to be replenished.
“People rely on the pantry and come whenever they can. Sometimes, we’re all they can count on,” Miles explained.
Since December 2021, the Peshtigo Food Pantry has operated 151 French St.
The pantry has grown over the years from a small grassroots initiative into a well-organized support center, serving hundreds of families annually.
Miles shared that when people come to the pantry on a distribution day, they fill out paperwork before getting assigned a volunteer shopper who makes sure each family is able to fill their shopping cart from the allotted offerings.
Many local groups have stepped up as volunteers and donors, including the local Peshtigo Lion’s Club, Peshtigo Woman’s Club, BPM Inc. and local churches with vocational studies students. The Peshtigo School District students often represent a large body of the volunteers, including high school special education students learning life and job skills while helping stock shelves.
City of Peshtigo Mayor Katie Berman shared, “I’ve personally been a volunteer [at the Peshtigo Food Pantry] for eight or nine years, and it’s been incredible to watch how many people quietly step up to make sure their neighbors are taken care of.”
Through the dedication of its all-volunteer staff, ongoing community donations and partnerships with local organizations, the pantry continues to expand its reach and impact while ensuring no one in Peshtigo goes hungry.
“We try to dispel any stigma about going to the food pantry because everyone needs help,” Miles said.
“We always treat everyone with dignity,” she shared, adding that volunteers even sign confidentiality agreements so people feel comfortable seeking support.
The food pantry provides essential support to individuals and families in need by offering a variety of nutritious groceries and household staples.
The Peshtigo Food Pantry will be hosting an open house on April 29 to introduce these services to the wider community and celebrate their 20-year anniversary.
Attendees will be able to tour the pantry, meet dedicated volunteers and learn more about how to access or contribute to our programs.
“People always ask, ‘What do you really need?’ Well, now everyone can learn about the process, see what we have, what we need and what services are available,” Miles said.
Refreshments will be served and guests are welcome to bring donations or simply learn more about the mission while strengthening the community support network.
“[This is] a milestone that really reflects the strength and generosity of our community,” Bermain said.
The Peshtigo Food Pantry will be held on Wednesday, April 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The pantry is located at 151 French St., Peshtigo, and distributes food from 8:30 a.m. to noon on the first and third Wednesday of each month as well as 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday.
For more information, call (715) 923-8000 or follow Peshtigo-Food-Pantry on Facebook.
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