Food

One year into pandemic, Madison-area food pantries continue to serve twice the number of families & say this could be the ‘new normal’

Here are 3 ways you can help feed our neighbors in need

April 18, 2021 2:25 PM

Christina Lorey,

Posted: April 18, 2021 2:25 PM

Updated: April 19, 2021 8:05 AM

by Christina Lorey

MADISON, Wis. — We’re slowly getting a better indication of what our ‘new normal’ might look like. But even as more businesses reopen and people go back to work, the demand for resources, food, and clothing from local community centers remains high.

Places like Madison’s Goodman Community Center continue to serve twice the number of families as they did pre-pandemic.

Here are three ways you can help our neighbors in need:

Donate to a local food pantry. Whether it’s money or food, every donation makes a difference. Food pantries often have relationships with grocery stores and are able to stretch monetary donations farther. However, if you’re able to give food, pantry staples (cereal, oatmeal, rice, pasta, etc.) are always in demand.
Donate clothes, cleaning supplies, or basic necessities. Soap and toilet paper are always needed, as well as baby clothes, diapers, and laundry detergent. Families who qualify for food stamps can’t use those to pay for these items.
Donate a few hours of your time. Many community centers are once again looking for volunteers to help with a variety of programs this spring and summer. They’re also trying to establish partnerships with local businesses to bring students out in the community. You can find the application to volunteer at Goodman here.