Town of Lake Little Free Community Pantry combats local food insecurity

PORTERFIELD – When Town of Lake Supervisor Kim Hanson noticed food insecurity amongst residents, she took action.

“This has been something on my mind for quite a long time. Through COVID-19, and even before that, I felt a need and a want to do something like this,” Hanson said of the newly established Town of Lake Little Free Community Pantry.

The community food pantry is a space for anyone in need to take a few items that will benefit them. There are no restrictions to who can use it, and the pantry’s location at the city hall in Porterfield reflects this.
“I think there’s more of a need for something affordable and something accessible for more people. I know that Crivitz has a really great pantry, but not everybody has the means to get there when they’re open. This is just an extra layer of accessibility,” Hanson explained.

Creating the pantry was an act of service done by the community, for the community.

Hanson shared that she proposed the idea to the town board and received approval in May. Following this, she worked with Thrivent to apply for an action card.

Thrivent is a not-for-profit financial service organization that provides advice and support for investments, insurance and more. Clients with active memberships are able to apply for action cards, which provide $250 in seed funding to host a fundraiser, educational event or service activity.

Previously, Hanson received Thrivent funding and used it to purchase warm winter clothing and snow gear for elementary school students.

“Applying for [the Thrivent Action Team] is the only part you really have to work towards. After that, it becomes a really fun process to be able to help people with that seed money,” she explained.

Through her collaboration with Thrivent Financial Advisor Julie Ann Mattek of Green Bay, Hanson was able to create her own action team and purchased supplies to build the pantry.

Others have already joined Hanson and Thrivent to support the pantry. Sue Welty, Hanson’s mother, provided insight into the application process, created her own action team and purchased food to fill the new resource. Mattek even donated Thrivent t-shirts and grocery bags, which were added to the pantry.

“As a team we were able to make this little dream a reality for all to enjoy,” Hanson said.

“It’s good to give without expecting anything back. I think creating that connection with other people is now more important than ever.

The little free community pantry is accepting donations of non-perishable goods, unopened pet food, paper goods and hygiene items for all ages. Donations can be left within the pantry, but donors are asked to keep things organized and make sure everything is closed so wild animals do not get into anything.

The Town of Lake Little Free Community Pantry is outside of the Town of Lake Town Hall, located at W6202 Loomis Rd., Porterfield. For more information, contact the town at (715) 927-7899 or reach out to Hanson directly.