Life offers an ever-changing path full of ups and downs. Sometimes the sun shines and the road is clear. Other times we get hit with an unexpected storm or a flat tire. Whatever it may be, in a community such as ours, someone is always willing to lend a helping hand.
One of the most impactful ways support is provided to our community members is through the efforts of food pantries within Walworth County. Local food pantries work countless hours year-round to make sure every family’s needs are met. Some may ask, “Are food pantries a necessity in our area?” The reality is yes, they are. In fact, they are invaluable.
Food insecurity means being without a reliable and sufficient source of affordable, nutritious food. According to Feeding Wisconsin, close to twenty percent of children are food insecure within our state and one in six local families suffer from food insecurity at some point throughout the year. “Currently, we assist 3,100 individuals. 2,000 of which are children,” says Sharon Pomaville, Executive Director of The Sharing Center. With so many families reliant on two incomes, a slow season, a layoff, or even a common injury can take a large toll. In situations such as these, local food pantries are able to come together to provide support and hope for these community members.
Fortunately for Walworth County, we are grateful to have numerous food pantries that are willing to help. These pantries provide constant support to individuals and families by collecting food, hygiene supplies, warm clothing and much more. Similar to many nonprofits, food pantries would not be able to provide for families without the dedicated support of volunteers. “We have 162 regular in-house volunteers and well over 700 more within the community,” says Pomaville.
Over the past 25 years, we have gotten to know the volunteers and community members who pour their hearts and energy into keeping shelves stocked and doors open to those who need it most in our community. If you have an interest in making a donation, our local food pantries benefit greatly from financial donations as it provides the opportunity to purchase items in bulk.
Here is the contact information for some of these organizations:
Lake Geneva Food Pantry
715 Wisconsin St, Lake Geneva | 262-248-2337
Sharing Center Inc.
25800 Wilmot Rd PO Box 172, Trevor | 262-298-5535
Walworth County Food Pantry
205 E Commerce Court, Elkhorn | 262-723-4488
Big Foot Emergency Food Pantry
111 Fremont St, Walworth | 262-275-2827
Delavan Food Pantry
714 E Walworth Ave, Delavan | 262-374-3503
Elkhorn Food Pantry
420 E Court St, PO Box 983, Elkhorn | 262-742-3799
St. Mary’s Memorial Food Pantry
N1238 Park Rd, PO Box 262 Pell Lake | 262-279-2095
Twin Lakes Food Pantry
701 Lake Ave, Twin Lakes | 262-877-8228
By: Kinsey Quernemoen
