MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An area food pantry has been experiencing a 160% increase in visits while donations have been down.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marinette says the large increase in visits has been happening since April 2021.
According to executive director, Ashley McKinnon, an increase was expected as the pandemic lags on, but a number this large was never predicted and the small nonprofit is struggling to keep up.
“COVID has thrown us a lot of curveballs, this year. While we planned to see more Friends in Need as pandemic benefits run out, we did not expect to see this much this fast. It’s also an even bigger worry as we have lost several major donors this year that we had relied on to cut expenses.”
St. Vincent de Paul Society had some help by participating in a free dairy program but that program abruptly ended at the end of September, putting an additional $10,000 strain on the organization’s budget.
McKinnon says donations are needed now more than ever.
“We are just weeks away from November, which is when we start giving our Friends in Need holiday baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. We would love if our community could help us provide for those struggling this holiday season and beyond.”
If your business or school would like to host a food drive, please visit the Food Drive Resource Page for posters, tips, and most needed items.
Monetary donations are also accepted and can be mailed or given online.
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