MONROE — In the spring of 2022, Family Promise of Green County partnered with Second Harvest of Southern Wisconsin to address a food insecurity concern identified in the communities of Brodhead, Juda, and Albany. The three school districts had recognized the needs and are involved in the “Backpack Buddy Program” but it became apparent that more needed to be done. 

Living in a rural county without public transportation presents additional struggles for families who need the assistance of local food pantries but do not have the means to access them. After discussions around what sort of program could best meet the needs of families, finding a location to house the pantry, and bringing together a team of volunteers, the Family Promise Community Food Pantry began operation in August 2023.

“Through the generosity of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the pantry found a home and began serving local families,” said Rick Gleason, Executive Director, Family Promise of Green County. “Many of our Family Promise volunteers as well as new volunteers, found the pantry to be a new way to serve their communities and did not hesitate to step up and become a part of the solution to the food insecurity concern. Soon we began to see interest from local retailers (Kwik Trip and Dollar General) who began to support the pantry through food donations.”

From  Aug. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, the Family Promise Community Food Pantry provided 331 boxes of groceries to local families and distributed more than 8 1/2 tons of food. 

“On average we are serving 40 to 50 families on pantry day,” Gleason said.

The Family Promise Community Food Pantry is located in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 409 E. 9th Ave. in Brodhead, and serves families in the 53520, 53550, and 53502 area codes. They are open from 4-6 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. 

Volunteers are always welcome and can contact Gleason at 608-328-2600. 

“We do accept donations of non-perishable foods as well as financial donations to help cover the cost of foods purchased,” Gleason said. 

Gleason said to be sure to designate “Food Pantry” with the donation.

“We thank the Green County Community for your support,” Gleason said.