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If You Are Hungry, You Are Not Alone

Sara Rath

                                                                                                                                                                              

by Sara Rath

 

Going through a tough time? You may be considering a visit to the Community Food Pantry of Spring Green. Perhaps you wonder how the process works, when it’s open and what to expect: 

First, it’s important to note that our food pantry serves everyone in the River Valley School District. Next, “food stamps” are no longer referred to by that name. The food stamp program began in 1939 as part of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal to combat food insecurity and utilize surplus food. Initially, eligible individuals could purchase orange stamps equivalent to their usual food expenditures and receive blue stamps for free that could be used to buy groceries. This became permanent in 1964 and stamps were done away with in 1977. The name was changed to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2008 to help destigmatize the idea of needing food assistance. The new act also emphasized providing nutritious meals.

Here in Spring Green, you would be among 1,000 individuals from over 200 families who currently find assistance with food insecurity. Importantly, there is no discrimination. 

Our food pantry has operated for 30 years, beginning in the basement of the White School and sponsored by the Spring Green Congregational Church. Phyllis Smith, Barb Klebesadel, Ron and Mary Robson, Wayne Farra and Jim Post were instrumental in its founding. Initially, about 17 clients chose from a selection of non-perishable goods, which Wayne and Jim collected from Madison’s Second Harvest Food Bank. Families could select items during the third week of the month, when food stamp recipients often had run out of assistance. The Congregational Church eventually became the Spring Green Community Church, which designated a room for the pantry in their new building. Food is still procured from Second Harvest in Madison, now delivered by truck, and additional supplies come from local low-cost distributors. Families continue to receive food once a month. The pantry has become its own entity, recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. It pays rent to the church and employs one part-time contract worker, with everything else provided by volunteers. 

While it used to be somewhat awkward to access the pantry, requiring a visit to the church to ask for a number and check-in before waiting in line with a grocery cart, the entire process has become much simpler these days. You call or email the program director, Heather Chastain, to schedule an appointment. On the third Wednesday of the month, you pull your car into the line that starts forming around 10 a.m. After checking in, a friendly volunteer comes to your car to give you a list of available groceries. Make a note of what you require. Then, as you wait in your car, your items are gathered and loaded into your trunk. The entire interaction is relatively private. 

Each month, new families and individuals are welcomed. Some come at the first sign of needing help, while others may be encouraged to visit by friends. Each household has its own unique requirements. Many of our volunteers were clients themselves and they understand your request. Here in Sauk County, 7.3% of our residents are living with food insecurity. You are not alone.

For an appointment call 608-459-5512

To make a donation please visit www.communityfoodpantryofSpringGreen.org

 

 

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ARENA - LONE ROCK - PLAIN - SPRING GREEN

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 6

Spring Green, WI 53588

608 459 5512

TELEPHONE:

608 459 5512

PANTRY LOCATION:

151 E Bossard St

Spring Green, WI 53588

608 459 5512

The Community Food Pantry of Spring Green is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization,

and your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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