Empty shelves and a greater need: How to help Sheboygan County Food Bank tackle hunger
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY – Sheboygan County Food Bank needs community help to address hunger before Making Spirits Bright fundraising and collecting food donations start in more than a month.
The food bank said it has supported more people in need on a monthly average as inflation continues to burden families, a need that is nearly on pace with those seen during the pandemic.
SCFB reports roughly 6,000 families, on average, utilize support from the on-site drive-thru distribution at 3115 N. 21st St., Sheboygan Cares Food Pantry and 36 partner organizations.
The need has grown since last year , when SCFB reported serving 5,000 families a month. This was a 60% increase from 2022.
"We have a month-and-a-half until we start receiving food donations from Making Spirits Bright, but families need our support now," Patrick Boyle, SCFB executive director, said in a news release.
SCFB said the demand at the Community Cafe grew since last year, too. Over the summer, it served an "all-time-high" of 2,300 meals in one month, with more parents and guardians coming with children who didn't have access to free school meals.
Making Spirits Bright, in partnership with Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs, is a major food drive for SCFB, helping fill shelves through the holiday season. Last year, the Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk fundraiser alone raised more than $90,000 .
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Peanut butter, canned soup and personal care items among greatest needs
Items needed the most are peanut butter, canned soup, canned fruit, canned tuna and chicken, cereal and oatmeal and personal care items.
Donations can be dropped off at the warehouse on North 21st Street between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. The food bank also accepts cash donations, which will help purchase food in bulk.
To organize a food drive, go to https://sheboygancountyfoodbank.com/.
Have a story tip? Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com . Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @alexx_garner .
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan County Food Bank needs more food before Making Spirits Bright
