Our Mission
We provide food, diapers and necessities in times of need to the people of Walworth County in a respectful, cheerful and welcoming environment. Learn more and get involved.
Explaining Coronavirus To Children
Some of you have asked about strategies to talk to your children about what is happening. While this must be tailored to each child and family, the social workers and psychologists have sent me these resources. Take a look and see if it is right for your child/family.
Helping Kids Manage Anxiety around the Coronavirus (Expert Videos)
Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019
Hunger in The Heartland
Hunger can affect people from all walks of life. Many Americans are one job loss or medical crisis away from food insecurity – but some people, including children and seniors, may be at greater risk of hunger than others.
In Walworth County, 44% of families report food insecurity at some point during the year.
According to a recent study by United Way, 42% of Wisconsin and 44% of Walworth County residents are considered Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE). This is the new face of hunger, the working poor who struggle to afford life's basic necessities. Based on information from Feeding America studies, 53% of this population have high blood pressure, 59% have unpaid medical bills and 32% have a member with diabetes. As high as 82% report purchasing the cheapest food available, even if they knew it was not the healthiest option, in order to provide enough food for their family.
100 % Volunteer Powered, Community Funded
We are 100% Volunteer Driven, there are no paid employees at the food pantry.
Our funding comes from the community and gracious donors throughout Walworth County. Approximately 10% of our food is provided by The Emergency Federal Assistance Program. The balance of our food is paid for by the community and gleaned from local sources as we act as an agent to Feeding America as part of their Direct Connect Program.
Here's the story...
Senior Hunger in America in 2019
If you think of the biggest health threats facing many older adults in America, your list may likely include cognitive decline, vision and hearing impairments, heart disease, strokes and other ailments. While each of these health issues is a threat to many American seniors, it turns out that hunger is the public health issue that is quickly becoming dire for many older adults. Here we take a closer look at what senior hunger means, why the threat is getting worse and what can be done about it. Key Facts About Senior Hunger • Nearly one in six seniors in America faces the threat of hunger or being malnourished (around 8 million total). • The rate of hunger among older adults increased 65 percent from 2007 to 2014. • One-third of all seniors report trimming the size of their meals, skipping meals completely or buying less nutritious foods because they didn’t have enough money for a proper meal. • Senior hunger costs the U.S. healthcare system $130 billion per year.
Thanks to The Hunger Task Force and the Senior Stock Box Program, we are able to offer additional food assistance to seniors (over the age of 60) who qualify.
For the Complete Guide to the public health crisis facing many older Americans, click here.
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USDA Non Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
click here for more details
Programs
Our programs are designed to further our mission and provide much needed services for our guests and their families. Take a look.
Geneva Lake Museum and The Walworth County Food and Diaper Bank
Ways To Give
Host an Event
Give through your Employer
Donate a Boat
Stocks, Mutual Funds and Property
Volunteer
Improve your community by joining our cause. You'd be surprised at what a huge difference a little bit of your time can make.
Read more.
Poetry is a cultural art form that combines both the beauty of literature and an artistic sense of musicality. Here are a few ways to get involved this National Poetry Month.
Meditation is powerful. If you’re still unsure whether or not the practice is worth trying, check out these top benefits of meditation and consider how they can help improve your life.
When bad things happen, how do we act individually, and how can we come together as a society? How can we be kind in times of darkness?
Senior Stock Box Program
Supplemental food supplies are available for qualifying senior citizens.
Contact us for information on how to qualify and receive this additional assistance or check out the eligibility requirements by clicking here.
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Senior Assistance Mission S.A.M.
Beginning in 2019, the Walworth County Food Pantry together with the generosity of the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation are providing bags of toiletry items needed by our seniors who also qualify for the Senior Stock Box program. The Senior Assistance Mission, (S.A.M.) developed by the pantry, provides a variety of items that differ each month to include non food item. We believe these items to be a valuable assistance in the budget of our senior citizens. Incontinence supplies are also available upon request.
Walworth County Diaper Bank
There are consumer products that are wants, and there are consumer products that are needs. Those who have a baby at home know diapers fall very firmly into the latter category. It costs about $1,000 a year to diaper a child in the average disposable product, but one in three families in this country has trouble affording those must-have items. The diaper bank is here to help bridge the gap for families in need. Consider hosting a 'Diaper Drive' in your local group to help our bank remain full. Call or email us to receive a Diaper Drive Tool Kit. To learn more about diaper need, National Diaper Bank Network or click on the National Diaper Bank Network logo above.
