DARLINGTON — Poverty in Wisconsin is a real concern. Some residents within the county are struggling to put food on the table. With the recent government shutdown, EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards declined at checkout, the upcoming holidays, as well as a variety of other reasons, residents are scrambling to get enough food each week to provide three square meals a day. The economic hardships vary from job losses, rental increases, as well as other expenses in the household going up, which don’t allow much wiggle room for food allowance.
The term ‘food insecurity’ is oftentimes used to describe the level of worrying that comes with not getting enough food to eat, especially when children are involved. Many in the area are searching for other means to supplement the lack of food on their table. When someone doesn’t have access to enough nutritious food, they are unable to live their lives to their fullest potential. Children are utilizing breakfast programs and after school meal packages as a way to establish getting enough to eat, often times bringing something home to share with their families.
Food pantries, food banks, and food assistance programs are working hard to supplement food shortages on tables across the county. They help to provide immediate relief from hunger, allowing households to focus on other aspects of their lives, such as employment, education, and health. Food pantries offer a safety net during times of social crisis when the need for food assistance can surge.
As everyone’s story is different, each circumstance is also unique. To give an overview, it is estimated that about half of the residents who receive food assistance in this county are on fixed incomes, with a majority of those individuals of the older generation or those living with special needs. There are also many families of various sizes trying to supplement the lack of food with food pantries throughout the area.
For those who would like to reach out and help, several options are available. Donating food or money helps food pantries, and in addition to that, helping to spread the word about their services and mission also helps bring awareness. You can do this by sharing information about the pantry on social media, and telling friends and family about the good work that they provide. Organize a food drive or a fundraising campaign to help make a real difference in the lives of people in need, and contribute to building a more compassionate and equitable community.
For those needing the assistance of a food pantry, there are several listed with contact information in case there should be any questions. In addition to the list, a discrete option is available for those who are afraid to reach out and ask for their help. Individuals can learn more about assistance programs throughout the state of Wisconsin by logging onto the 211Wisconsin website to learn more.
Note that most area food pantries are localized and are to be accessed by residents living within the immediate region.
Lafayette County Food Pantry
700 Spring Street
Darlington, WI
608-776-3500
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Darlington Mobile Second Harvest Food Pantry
15691 Co Rd K
Darlington, WI
Hours: First Friday of each month, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
No registration or ID is necessary. Mobile/Drive-thru pickup.
Shullsburg Food Pantry
226 West Church Street
Shullsburg, WI 53586
608-381-7473
Hours: Third Thursday of the month, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Emergency Pantry: Monday thru Thursday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Darlington Community Of Churches Food Pantry
15691 Co Rd K
Darlington, WI
Hours: Call for an appointment: 608-776-3566, Thursdays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Once per month. [Voucher program to pick up at a different location.] Call at least a day ahead for an appointment.
Argyle Food Pantry
100 East Street
Argyle, WI 53504
608-293-0138
Hours: First and Third Thursday 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Can use the pantry once a month. Proof of address required.
Belmont Food Pantry
101 East State Street
Belmont, WI 53510
608-762-5355
Hours: Second Thursday of the month 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Can be used once a month. Walk in, or call ahead if you need to use the elevator.
Pecatonica Area Food Pantry
305 Madison Street
Blanchardville, WI 53516
608-523-4239
Hours: Second Wednesday of the month 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; First and Third Saturday 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Bring ID and proof of address. Open for Pecatonica School District residents only.
SWCAP Pop-Up Food Pantry Truck
Next to St. Patrick’s Church, Benton (Catherine St. parking lot)
[Most recently held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
Once per month. Follow their facebook page for the next pop-up food truck, as well as more information.] SWCAP is required to collect names, ages, addresses, and household size. A slip of paper with names, addresses, and birthdates will speed up the process.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
148 3rd Avenue
Benton, WI 53803
608-759-2001
Hours: Second Wednesday of each month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Open to Benton and Cuba City residents.
For emergency food, call 608-759-2001 or 608-640-1229
Black Hawk Area Food Pantry
102 East Center Street
South Wayne, WI 53587
608-214-5317
Hours: Third Thursday of the month 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Proof of address required, along with ID for every household member. Open to Black Hawk Area School District residents
Southwestern Food Pantry
2115 Main Street
Hazel Green, WI 53811
608-854-2536
Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Green Cares Food Pantry
422 S Garfield St
Monticello, WI 53570
608-938-4238
Find Us on Facebook
Hours: Tuesdays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Green County Food Pantry
1129 17th Avenue
PO Box 15
Monroe, WI 53566
608-329-7511
Hours: Monday 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. or by appointment in case of an emergency. Drive-thru or walk up.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank
501 1st Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
Hours: Third Thursday of the month 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
How to Apply: Drive-thru Mobile Pantry, park in line until directed to proceed. No ID, proof of address or income required. Participants should bring their own boxes and bags to transport their items.
White Gift Food Pantry
1004 West Exchange Street
Brodhead, WI 53520
(608) 897-6466
Hours: Third Saturday of the month (except December)
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Family Promise Community Food Pantry of Green County
405 East 9th Avenue
Brodhead, WI 53520
608-328-2600
Hours: Second and Fourth Monday of each month
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Drive-up pantry. Must live in zip codes: 53502, 53520, 53550
Grace Church Food Pantry
416 2nd Street
New Glarus, WI 53574
608-558-2858
By appointment. Can be used once every two weeks. Proof of address is required. Call ahead of the visit to confirm that staff are in. New Glarus residents only. Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food Pantry available to access during regular hours.
Village of Belleville Food Pantry
24 West Main Street
Belleville, WI 53508
608-424-3341
Hours: Tuesday 8 a.m. to Noon, Thursday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Can use once per week. Ring doorbell for entry
Belleville School District residents in zip codes: 53593, 53574, 53521, 53508.
C.U.P. Food Pantry — Orfordville Lutheran
210 South Main Street
Orfordville, WI 53576
608-921-2702
Hours: Thursday 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Visit once per month. ID and proof of address required for every household member. For residents of the Parkview School District
