Hunger is a real but too often invisible problem in our communities. The impact of hunger on children and senior citizens is especially troubling.

West CAP’s Food Access and Resources program supports a network of local food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters that provide emergency food assistance for low-income families.

Our emphasis is on building partnerships with community groups to meet local food emergency needs and ensure access to quality food. We also work closely with similar efforts across Wisconsin and the nation.

How People Are Helped

The Food Access and Resources program provides staff support and food distribution assistance to 24 community-based food pantries, 4 shelters and 1 soup kitchen in west central Wisconsin. Each of these outlets provides direct, emergency food assistance to low-income families in their area.

In addition to providing support and coordination to various local outlets, West CAP operates the Glenwood City Area Food Pantry directly from our main office. This pantry serves the residents of the Glenwood City Area School District, including areas in Wilson, Hersey, Downing, and Emerald. Recipients of the pantry can receive an assortment of canned goods, cereals, meat, frozen foods, fruit and vegetables, as well an assortment of personal care items. The food package is designed to meet the family’s nutritional needs for a period of 3-5 days. The Glenwood City Pantry also partners with area churches, schools, businesses and community members to raise funds for the Pantry, and to provide holiday gift certificates. 

Local Need

A recent survey of recipients by Stepping Stones Food Pantry points out the importance that these products have for families in need. The survey showed that approximately 54% of food pantry assistance went to children. Over 73% of recipients reported that they needed help from the pantry at least 6-10 times each year, and 89% reported that their main reason for using the pantry was either that their income didn’t stretch far enough to meet family food needs or that there was just simply not enough food at home to feed their family. It is worth noting that 39% of pantry recipients worked full-time and 21% worked part-time. Most of the other recipients (32%) were either disabled or retired.

Food Access & Resources Program Contacts

• For more information on how to receive food assistance
  or about West CAP’s food assistance programs call
  1.800.606.9227
• See our Area Food Pantry List.
• To find out how you can support your local food pantry, contact Melissa Wyss, Food Access & Resources Manager by phone at 1.715.265.4271, ext. 1329, or e-mail mwyss@wcap.org

West CAP is an equal opportunity organization and no otherwise qualified applicant for service or service participant shall be excluded for participation, be denied benefits, or otherwise be subject to discrimination in any manner or on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry, sex, religion, age, political belief or affiliation, disability or association with a person with a disability. This policy covers eligibility for the access to service delivery, and treatment in all of the programs and activities.

Non-Discrimination Statement:

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write:

USDA, Director
Office of Adjudication
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).

Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

De acuerdo con la ley federal y las políticas del Departamento de Agricultura de los EE.UU. (USDA, sigla en inglés), se le prohibe a esta institución que discrimine por razón de raza, color, origen, sexo, edad, religión, ideas políticas, o discapacidad.

Para presentar una queja sobre discriminación, escriba a USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, o llame gratis al (866) 632-9992 (voz). Personas con discapacidad auditiva o del habla pueden contactar con USDA por medio del Servicio Federal de Relevo (Federal Relay Service) al (800) 845-6136 (español) o (800) 877-8339 (inglés). USDA es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece oportunidad igual para todos.