Huge increase in those served by PdC Food Pantry
Prairie du Chien Food Pantry personnel served 40 bags of food to residents of Rivercrest Village Apartments last week. (Photos courtesy of the Food Pantry)
State Representative Loren Oldenburg of the 96th Assembly District helps out as a volunteer Friday at the Prairie du Chien Food Pantry.
By Ted Pennekamp
In March, the Prairie du Chien Couleecap Food Pantry had a big increase in the number of households that received food and other items. Couleecap Food Pantry Coordinator Jann Sturmer said the increase is due to many more people out of work because of the coronavirus threat.
Sturmer said, on average, the food pantry serves about 180 households per month. In March, they served 263 households and 467 people, including 62 new clientele.
Also, food pantry personnel delivered 40 bags of food to the residents of Rivercrest Village Apartments in Prairie du Chien last week, and Sturmer said they will continue to do so throughout the duration of Governor Evers’ “safer at home” order.
“Everything is going well,” said Sturmer. “We have received monetary donations and food donations, and have purchased extra food. The numbers will probably continue to rise because more people are out of work.”
Sturmer said more donations are certainly welcome, and the food pantry could use more cleaning products. “People can still donate,” she said. “Last week, we received a very generous donation of dog and cat food for people with pets.”
The Bargain Boutique is closed, but Sturmer said the food pantry will remain open. She said people coming to pick up food and other items should call (608) 326-2463 ahead of time so she can go through the list with them of what is available and then the client can order what they need. People should come to the back door and ring the bell, Sturmer said.
The food pantry is located at 200 E. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Those wishing to donate should also call (608) 326-2463.
“We live in a very nice community,” said Sturmer. “People really step up to help.”
Sturmer noted that State Representative Loren Oldenburg of Viroqua (District 96) volunteered at the food pantry on Friday and also checked to see what the pantry might need.
Couleecap offers many other programs such as assistance for the homeless, home rehabilitation, and weatherization. Sturmer said Couleecap is working on obtaining additional funding for its many other services. People can visit the Couleecap website at couleecap.org or call (866) 904-4508.
