freezinl for hunger - literally - Food Pantry of Waukesha County

WINTER | SPRING 2008 newsletter
FREEZIN’ FOR HUNGER - LITERALLY
As the title suggests, eleven Food Pantry supporters braved the
elements on the night of January 18 to the morning of January
19 to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger in Waukesha
by camping out on the coldest night of the winter thus far.
How DOES one keep warm in below zero temperature and
wind chills?
With the help of generous local supporters like Dunn Brothers
Coffee (coffee and hot chocolate), Quizno’s on Silvernail (sub
sandwich platters), and Wynn Becker and Amy from Hardees,
who donated refreshments AND spent quite a bit of time
with the group Friday night helping collect donations. Food
Pantry staff warmed up everyone with breakfast early Saturday
morning.
One must also wear many layers of clothes, have a good tent,
good boots, hand warmers, a fire (with wood and fire-pit
donated by Alderman Randy Radisch) and a warm sleeping
bag. Sleep didn’t come easily, and the volunteers needed to
move around to keep warm, accounting for the rumor that
certain younger volunteers went sledding at 3 in the morning!
Jeff Jensen & Co. donated propane heaters for the night, and
Ferrall Gas contributed the propane gas tanks.
Five hours into the camp-a-thon, Karen Tredwell (left) visits campers Matt Nelson,
Aimee McGeen, Tim Probst and Janelle Blavat
All high energy and smiles, Aimee McGeen is captured before ‘lights out’
FPWC is grateful to the overnight group and all their generous
sponsors. Our primary sponsor this year was The Schroeder
Group Attorneys at Law who not only provided our single
largest sponsorship, but supported attorney Ross Sharkey
and his sister Sue. The founder of this event and new FPWC
board member Tim Probst was pleased with the support and
publicity contributed by the Waukesha JanBoree staff. Having
the warming house open all night was a welcome change in
plans and a very necessary one considering the weather. Tim is
already planning for next year! Aimee McGeen, a member of
Leadership Waukesha XIX and an employee of the Waukesha/
Pewaukee Convention & Visitors bureau, drafted her sister
Haley to join her. Dawn Hagenau of Jannsen & Company
was part of our organizing committee and contributed both
financially and by creating our marketing brochures. Dave
Wabiszewski of Jannsen and Adam Matson of MLG were
two additional hardy adult overnighters. FPWC’s Youth
Representative Board member Matt Nelson, his sister Kayla
and Desiree represented their high school well.
Overall the group raised $7332.00 in monetary donations
and 4,937 pounds of food. Aimee McGeen summed it up well
when she said, “I have been completely overwhelmed with
the generosity of those who sponsored.” FPWC is grateful
to everyone who helped make the third annual Freezin’ for
Hunger a success!
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LETTER FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
After working at the Pantry for more than 10 years, I am sure that it is not hard
to imagine the wonderful acts of generosity that we have seen. It is heartening
to know that people in our community continue to care for and support so
many – in most cases for people that they will never meet. I never get over the
gratitude and warm-hearted feeling one experiences from witnessing countless
acts of benevolence that we are privileged to observe on a regular basis.
Mission
Hunger hurts. It denies dignity, lessens human energy
and impairs the potential of
people to succeed. Therefore:
The Food Pantry of Waukesha
County will advocate to increase awareness of hunger in
the community and promote
collaborative action to provide
food to those in need.
Vision
To eliminate hunger in
Waukesha County.
Non Profit Status
The Food Pantry of Waukesha
County is a non profit community organization, maintaining
501(c)3 status, and all donations
are tax deductible.
The Food Pantry of Waukesha
County is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 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.
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Each day, we provide the “basics” to clients registered at the Food Pantry. We
have been fortunate enough to offer food beyond the basics for Thanksgiving
and Christmas. It is our fervent belief that all people should be able to celebrate
holidays regardless of income status. As we have seen an increase in our overall
daily usage, we anticipated more requests for holiday food. To that end, an appeal
mailing seeking assistance for holiday meals was coordinated, (See page 7) which
generated much-needed support. When it became clear that additional items
were needed to support holiday food for 300 additional families, area media were
alerted to the need and the story was shared via newspaper and television.
The stories generated a lot of interest and response. Thanks to an incredible
reaction from area businesses, congregations, civic organizations, schools,
families and individuals, we were able to meet the need for Thanksgiving and
get a healthy jump-start for Christmas. We are honored to be the stewards
of the many gifts you have entrusted to us. More importantly, due to your
generosity, holiday food for a total of 2,362 households was distributed!
Now the holidays seem but a distant memory, and the need continues. The
next big food drive, Scouting for Food, will take place on Saturday, April 5th.
However, you can help us to keep our shelves stocked each and every month
by placing food donations in barrels in area stores or dropping off food directly
at the pantry. Better yet, host a food drive with your congregation, community
group, school or business – it is easier than you may think. Call us or visit our
website for information to facilitate a drive or the hours we accept donations.
We could not provide assistance to others without your ongoing support.
Thank you,
Karen Tredwell,
Executive Director
Record Number of People
Served
November’s client numbers soared as the FPWC provided groceries to 6755
clients, an 8% increase from 12 months prior. FPWC’s resources were strained
as donated food was distributed as quickly as it arrived. Luckily the service
numbers leveled off during December and January, with 5457 and 5538 clients
respectively, but the service data indicated client levels were maintained from
corresponding months one year prior.
Success of Holiday Meal Program Plea Warms the Heart
Last September, The Food Pantry of Waukesha County (FPWC) sent solicitation
letters to local companies and community groups. What is so different about
that? This time FPWC asked these supporters to coordinate fundraisers and
donate the money to fund a new Holiday Meal Program. The fundraising effort
was initiated to purchase, stock and distribute specific foods used to celebrate the
holidays during a condensed window of time before each holiday. The response
was amazing, and $8,000 was raised by the end of December. Please take in to
consideration that this program provides food in addition to the regular grocery
distribution that occurs seven times weekly.
In the past, the program relied on the incoming stream of food donations that has
a random ebb and flow. This irregularity would cause fluctuations in inventory
and shortages of particular items throughout the holiday season. Half of the
money raised in November ($4000) was used to supplement food donations
of turkeys, stuffing, gravy, and other holiday meal supplies. Even with this
additional resource, the demand for holiday meals was so high in November that
FPWC found itself 300 turkeys short on the Monday before Thanksgiving. The
community heard of the shortfall and immediately responded with a flood of
donations (see accompanying letter from Karen Tredwell).
Overall the mailing was a huge success and the funds generated were used to
provide 1392 holiday meals in November and 970 holiday meals in December.
What do you
like about
volunteering here
at the Food Pantry?
“The great, friendly atmosphere; also (the pantry) is
very well organized.”
Charlie, Age 71,
volunteer for 7 years, 2 mos.
“The fellowship with the other
volunteer (and) the staff is
great!”
Jody, 36, volunteer for 1 year
“Helping others, especially
those who speak Spanish.”
Mayra, 16, volunteer for 2 years
Substantial
Donation of Warehouse
Equipment Received
“The friendly people and the
cute babies!”
Barb, NA, volunteer for 8 years
“Seeing the smiling faces of
the people receiving food.”
Joel, 16, volunteer for 3 years
The Food Pantry received two
substantial donations in December
that will make a significant difference
in the way FPWC is able to move and
store food. Both donors requested
that the gifts be acknowledged
anonymously. First, a forklift replaced
an aging forklift that will provide a
reliable tool to move and stack pallets
in the warehouse. Second, the FPWC
received a 28-foot straight truck that
will provide an efficient way to pick
Jerry Oven riding the forklift
up larger contributions and purchases.
Thanks go to FPWC friend Dr. John Ernst, who was integral in procuring each
of these significant donations. Jerry Oven, FPWC Warehouse Manager said,
“This type of donation enables us to be more efficient overall in our day-to-day
operations. That means more resources can be directed to food collection and
distribution. We are so grateful to Dr. John for identifying potential donors and
creating new partnerships.”
“And the friendliness of the
staff and volunteers.”
Margaret, 74, volunteer of 1 year.
“Both the clients and the staff.”
Herb, 80, volunteer for 6 years
“Contact with the staff and
volunteers.”
Dorothy, 82, volunteer of 17+ years
“I’ve met some very nice
people.”
Jan, 72, volunteer for 5 years.
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Neighborhoods Coordinate
Huge Food Drive
The Community of
Waukesha Truly
Supports Its Neighbors
The sixth annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food & Fund Drive was
held December 8th in the subdivisions of Tall Grass, Rolling Ridge and
Meadowbrook. Coordinators Dave Rebro and Shannon Majewski encourage
residents to make donations to be collected later that day by children from the
neighborhood with help from adult family members. The drive generated 6000
lbs. of food and $1994.00 http://www.tallin.com/neighbors/ourwork.htm)
A partial list of recent donors:
A & A Manufacturing Company, Inc.
American Family Insurance Group
American Legion / D. J. Martin Post #8
Accurate Products Mfg. Corp.
Ascension Lutheran Church
Aurora Health Center
Karen Tredwell and children that helped with the local drive
Beneco of Wisconsin, Inc.
Carroll College
Christian Stewardship Foundation
Dai Shin Technologies, Inc.
E.A.S. Inc. - The Picnic Basket
Elegant Farmer, Inc.
Evangelical & Reformed UCC
Evans Transportation Services, Inc.
That first year money
was collected and a
few neighborhood
families delivered a contribution directly to the pantry. When they arrived, they
discovered the pantry was open and distributing groceries. They observed the
long waiting line of clients and a parking lot filled to capacity. The sight of all
those people in need really made an impression on the group, particularly the
children. Matthew Wulf, age 11, one of the children present remarked, “After
seeing the long line of people waiting to get food, I realized how lucky we are to
have what we have...and it felt good to give to others.” Co-Coordinator Rebro
added, “We were all so surprised that day how the clients looked and dressed just
like us. It really hit home that a situation could easily arise that could put anyone
of us in that receiving line. That really opened our eyes and touched our hearts.”
Group photo of the participants in the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive
G2 Creative Inc.
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Heuler Tile Co., Inc.
High Velocity Communications Inc.
Heartfelt Holly Days Craft Fair
Illinois Tool Works Foundation
JD Logistics Inc.
JX Enterprises
Kohl’s Distribution Center
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Continued on Page 6
It all started five years
ago when a group of
eight families from
the neighborhood
were sharing a
Thanksgiving meal.
Each person at the
table was asked to
offer up a blessing for
which he or she was
grateful. When they
realized how many
things they could be
grateful for, the group
decided to share their
good fortune with
those less fortunate.
Rebro adds, “We all
wanted to give back
to the community
and we all thought
it could also be a
valuable lesson for the
children to learn.”
The Roberts Group Continues Its Support
Barbara Thompson and our friends at The Roberts Group
continued their generous support by creating and paying for
three ads to be run in both the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and
Waukesha Freeman newspapers in November and December.
The ads initiated the new marketing effort to educate the
public by emphasizing what is fact and what is fiction
regarding the issue of hunger in Waukesha County.
One ad emphasized the need for diapers at The Food Pantry
and the response was immediate. “We have witnessed a
significant increase in the number of food contributions that
include disposable baby diapers. Many times a donor arrives
with diapers alone. It is rare that we have this amount or
variety of sizes available to distribute. The Roberts Group ad
really hit the mark!” said Mary Baer, FPWC Board Member.
Upon seeing the ad, one gentleman drove off to his local
Sam’s Club and purchased a whole flatbed cart filled with
boxes of diapers valued at $1500.00. While waiting in line,
another customer asked why he had such a haul of diapers.
When the gentleman told him of the ad and how it motivated
him to act, the customer quickly handed him a $20 bill and
asked him to put the money toward additional diapers.
Student Woodworker Donates Skills
It’s nice to learn that young people are giving back to
their community. A perfect example is Andrew Klain, a
junior at Catholic Memorial High school. One Sunday,
while attending a service at St. Leonard’s, he saw a flyer
for the Food Pantry of Waukesha County and called to offer
his handiness. Within two weeks he researched the project,
drew up plans, purchased the supplies and built two beautiful
brochure racks, two bookshelves and a table for the registration
area. The brochure racks, built to display twice as many
brochures, are placed to provide clients all types of information
regarding other assistance in the area. The bookshelves and
table help client registration run smoothly. All the projects
were completed prior to last fall’s Open House and really
helped to ‘spruce up the place.’
Andrew has been woodworking since he was young, doing odd
projects around the house. This is the first time Andrew has
worked on a project for the community, but it probably won’t
be his last. Andrew now understands how giving back to the
community can be easy if one chooses areas of one’s interests &
skill – a great life lesson for everyone. Kudos to Andrew!
High school student Andrew Klain with one of the distribution racks
he built and installed at the FPWC
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Waste Not, Want Not - Innovative Program Taps Major Food Resource
Medical Associates of Menomonee
Falls, Ltd.
Mitzvah Fund – Waukesha Co. Community Foundation
Mount Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Congregation
Pro Health, Inc.
Quad/Graphics, Inc.
Sam’s Club #8164
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish
Signature Lighting, LTD.
Telecom Pioneers Wisconsin Chapter 4
Three Pillars Senior Living Communities
USABDA-Mil Waukee Chapter
Usinger Foundation, Inc.
Veterans of Foreign Wars-
Post 8320 Brookfield
WPSD-TV
Waukesha County Deputy Sheriffs Assoc.
Waukesha County Social Services
Employees
Waukesha West H.S. National Honor Society
Waukesha Family Practice Center
Waukesha Olde Car Club
Wauwatosa Savings Bank
Westwood Aluminum Casting Inc.
World Class Wire & Cable, Inc.
Zion Presbyterian Church
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The Food Recovery Program, one of the programs of the Food Pantry of
Waukesha County, will be celebrating its 6th anniversary in November of
this year. A task force appointed by the Nutrition Coalition of Waukesha
County began this innovative program. UW Extension, Waukesha County
food pantries, Waukesha County Recycling and Solid Waste, Environmental
Health, and Senior Services all provided representation to look at solutions
to two ever-increasing issues: 1) that one in twelve households in Wisconsin
have an inadequate supply of food, and 2) food waste is the second largest
component in Wisconsin’s landfills.
Further research by the task force confirmed that much of the food
deposited in the landfills was actually high-quality food and would often be
disposed of because of lack of a convenient and reliable system by which to
fully utilize edible products. To that end, area restaurants, growers, purveyors
and manufacturers were contacted to determine interest in participating in
a local food recovery or gleaning program. The survey was coupled with
information about the process and legality of donating edible, excess food.
The results were extremely positive and led to the task force seeking funding
from the Non-profit Management Fund to hire a consultant to assist with
creating the structure of the program.
The result: The Food Recovery Program of Waukesha County! Additional
funding was sought and obtained from the Community Services Block Grant
to assist with staff and material costs associated with the program. The first
Food Recovery Coordinator was hired in November of 2002. During the
first year of operation, the program gleaned food as diverse as “soup to nuts.”
Donors included local and regional food producers, manufacturers, caterers,
growers and retail organizations. The varied and delicious items were shared
with Waukesha County pantries, shelters, and meal programs.
The program has grown to include more than 100 donors that have
provided food to more than 60 agencies. Volunteers assist with food pickup and delivery to keep program costs low. The Food Pantry of Waukesha
County is committed to continued support of the program and has
demonstrated that support by expanding the capacity of their on-site walk-in
freezer, commercial cooler space, and off-site dry storage.
Additional information about appropriate food and safe handling practices
can be obtained by contacting Karen Tredwell at 262-542-5300.
Essential Donation from Hunger task force
At the end of February, The Pantry’s food supplies were beginning to dwindle
so we approached our neighbor Hunger Task Force, Inc. The food bank and
advocacy group provides all of its services at no costs to pantries & meals sites.
Within two days we received 18 pallets of non-perishable food! The supply of
soups, tuna, vegetables, rice and pasta significantly infused our offerings. We
thank Hunger Task Force for their generosity and ongoing partnership.
A Season of Giving Indeed!
Donors continued to bring in home grown vegetables from their gardens until the
first freeze. Pantry clients really appreciate including the fresh items in their diets.
One farmer got help from local Scout troops to reap a trailer full of fresh potatoes
delivered to FPWC at the end of October. Potatoes are great for distribution due to
their stable shelf life, but are also popular among clients since they are so versatile.
Close to the holidays, several employee groups called to find out how they could
help. Instead of purchasing gifts for fellow employees, they redirected money
they would have spent on gifts and
purchased items like hams and turkeys.
One group brought in 30 hams! The
Peterson Family of Muskego brought
in dozens of turkeys as they do each
year. So many congregations conduct
food drives as a matter of giving thanks.
One in particular, River Glen Christian
Church, concentrates their efforts in
collecting cereal for a number of weeks.
This year’s drive, their third, generated
Volunteers shown unloading a donation of fresh potatoes
supplied by a local farmer
1200 boxes of cereal during December!
The Red Circle Inn owners, Martha
and Norm Eckstaedt, coordinated
a beautiful tree lighting that raised
$1876.00. Thanks to all of our friends
and supporters in Nashotah! Lori
Callen is generously donating her
technical skills to keep FPWC’s Website
up-to-date completely free of charge.
Her efforts have been flawless! The
Canadian Pacific Railroad’s Holiday
The Peterson Family and their annual donation of turkeys
Train arrived in Pewaukee on a blustery
winter night in December to be greeted
by an estimated 2000 people, the largest
crowd on the tour according to CPR
officials. Thanks to Wauwatosa Savings
Bank for their event sponsorship. The
national tour of the bedazzled train,
which benefits local food pantries at
each stop, has become a community
tradition with its fourth annual stop
in the Waukesha area. Dedicated staff
Pallet of diapers and baby formula donated after ad paid
and volunteers were on hand to collect
for by The Roberts Group (see p. 5)
4,000 lbs. of food and $1900 dollars in
donations. The Holiday Wreath Raffle raised an additional $500 dollars that night
for a grand total of $2400 from the event. FPWC would like to thank the following
companies for their contributions to this successful event. Many lucky recipients
walked away with beautiful wreaths! A big thank you to all wreath donors Common
Wealth Mortgage Group, Go Earth, North Shore Bank and florists Bluemels, The
Front Porch, Magnolia Floral & Gift Shop, Mayflowers Florists, A New Leaf Floral
Inc., Olde English Flower Shoppe and Rhodee Florist & Greenhouses, among
others. Special thanks to Tess Meode for decorating 10 wreaths.
Plant an Extra
Row of Vegetables
When planning your garden
this spring, remember to
plant an extra row of produce and bring the resulting
bounty to The Pantry. Tomatoes and peppers are preferred due to their versatility,
but clients will appreciate any
fresh vegetable donation. Be
sure to deliver your donation
before distribution hours so
it can be dispersed to clients
that day.
Help Us Get the
Word Out - END HUNGER, START HERE
Representatives of The Pantry
appreciate any opportunity to
share what is happening at
the pantry. Staff members are
available to speak at your congregation, school or business
as well as to your community,
service, employee or professional group. Contact Michael
at 262-542-5300 and set up an
appointed date and time.
At every presentation, people
discover something new
about FPWC.
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APRIL
20th Annual Boy Scouts of America’s Scouting Board of Directors
for Hunger Drive
Mary Baer
Saturday April 5th
Larry Bucholtz
Linda Caldart-Olson, Vice President
Susan Dwyer, Treasurer
Leticia Hoisington
Mayra Martinez
Lisa Mautz
Tina Neis, President
The Fox River Scout Groups distribute grocery bags to residences
throughout Waukesha neighborhoods on March 29th. One week
later, the Scouts return to collect the food left out by generous donors. All proceeds benefit The Food Pantry of Waukesha County. Last
year’s Scouting For Hunger Drive generated 12,000 lbs of food!
Matthew Nelson
May
Tim Probst
Stamp Out Hunger
Brad Schimel
Barbara Syrjanen, Secretary
Steve Vangsnes
Steven Youngbauer
Staff
Theresa Barndt
Nancy Camara
Saturday May 10th
This one-day national drive is coordinated by the National Association of Letter Carriers and United States Postal Service.
The Food Pantry and Salvation Army are the local benefactors. A
week before the drive, residents will receive a plastic grocery bag
with their regular mail. Residents are asked to fill the bag with non
perishable food items and place it near their mailbox on Saturday
morning to be picked up by Letter Carriers or volunteers.
Judy Cesarec
Michael Jonas
Jerry Oven
Karen Tredwell, Executive Director
OCTOBER
30th Anniversary Gathering
Sunday, October 12th 4pm to 7pm
Holiday Train photograph credited to
John Ernst
It may be hard to believe, but the Food Pantry of Waukesha County will acknowledge its 30th year of service to the community with
a unique event this autumn. Please save the date in your calendars
and look for more event details to come.
215 w. north street
waukesha, wi 53188
tel: 262.542.5300 | fax: 262.542.4177
e-mail: WaukeshaPantry@tds.net
web: www.foodpantryofwaukeshacounty.org
Food and cash donations were collected when The Canadian Pacific
Railroad’s Holiday Train rolled into town on December 6th
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